SOUTH WEST

Highlights

The adult Pacific Diver was back in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, from 4 November. An ‘Italian Sparrow’ at East Budleigh, Devon, attracted a number of visitors and photographers keen for an ‘insurance tick’ (if it ever gets accepted as the genuine article).

AVON

HIGHLIGHTS: November’s not a good month for rarities in Avon and only produced Lesser Scaup, Crane, Grey Phalarope and Sabine’s Gull, and the Great White Egrets at Chew. Hawfinches were scattered across the county and a number of Firecrests were reported, many in Bristol. SEVERNSIDE: Three Gannets were seen from Portbury Dock (22nd), and on the same day a Sabine’s Gull turned up at Sea Mills. There were seven Avocets at Oldbury (3rd) with up to three at other coastal sites (to 13th), and a Spotted Redshank was at Pilning Wetlands (1st & 4th). Up to five Purple Sandpipers returned to Battery Point, Portishead from 19th, and there were two Snow Buntings at Oldbury (5th). Black-tailed Godwit counts reached 160 at Northwick Warth and 70 at Oldbury. A Short-eared Owl spent the month at Aust Warth and a Water Pipit at Northwick Warth. A scattering of Black Redstarts returned to mainly coastal sites. CLEVEDON AND THE YEO: Notable were two Jack Snipe (23rd), a Red Kite (6th), and two reports of Short-eared Owl. High counts (6th) included 22 Little Egrets and 290 Meadow Pipits. WESTON-SUPER-MARE: There were one or two Great White Egrets all month. A very late Swallow passed through (17th). THE RESERVOIRS: Two Bewick’s Swans arrived at Chew Valley Lake (10th) and remained for the rest of the month. Three Red-crested Pochards were there (5th) and a drake Lesser Scaup (12th); two or three Scaup were seen at Chew and Blagdon (5th-14th). A Long-tailed Duck was at Barrow Gurney (4th-5th), then at Chew (11th & 27th-30th). The WEBS count (17th) found 50 Goldeneye and 17 Goosanders at Chew, with single-figure counts at other reservoirs; 28 Goosanders were at Chew (30th). The Chew WEBS count (17th) also recorded 190 Great Crested Grebes, 135 Moorhens and an impressive 2,685 Coots. A Great Northern Diver was present (11th & 18th). The flock of 35 Great White Egrets at Chew (3rd, when there were also nine at Blagdon) was down to 16 by month-end. The Little Egret count halved from 26 (1st) to 13 (30th). The Backwell Lake roost reached 25 Little Egrets (26th). Chew had a Grey Phalarope (12th), a Jack Snipe (5th), 18 Golden Plover (1st), two Ruff (9th), a Bar-tailed Godwit (3rd), and a growing flock of Black-tailed Godwits peaking at 36 (30th). A Crane flew over Bishop Sutton (18th). An Azorean Yellow-legged Gull was reported, and up to 10 Bearded Tits and five Water Pipits spent the month at Chew. OTHER SITES: Three Bewick’s Swans at Kenn (26th) were unusual. Notable counts included 18 Mandarins at Uley, S Glos and 18 Little Egrets at Thornbury Castle (26th). Single Woodcock turned up at odd places but there were five at Wickwar (21st). The arable fields around Marshfield produced 1,500 Common Gulls (9th), 380 Golden Plover (30th), 27 Ravens (22nd)), 100 Sky Larks (9th), 5,000 Starlings (9th), 300 Fieldfares and 100 Redwings (1st), and 100 each of Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings (3rd). Around 30,000 Starlings were at Tormarton (14th). Bristol Airport held 40 Golden Plovers. Other counts of interest were seven Bramblings at Saltford, 30 Siskins at Paulton and 75 Yellowhammers at Lansdown Racecourse, Bath. Jane Cumming

CHANNEL ISLANDS

JERSEY: The Wetlands Centre logged a Black-tailed Godwit, 50 Lapwings, a Greenland Whitefront, Goosander, five Wigeon, 50 Teal, 45 Shovelers, ten Pochards, 50 Snipe, 20 Marsh Harriers, ten Buzzard, Bearded Tits, 20 Tufted Ducks, the odd Gadwall, ten Little Grebes, ten Little Egrets, Redpolls, a Siberian Chiffchaff, Chiffchaffs, Firecrests and Goldcrests. A Lesser Whitethroat was at Victoria Tower. A late Wheatear was at Saint Aubin’s. Good numbers of Woodcocks arrived. A Snow Bunting was at Plemont. La Rocque harbour and Fauvic held two Black Redstarts. A Hen Harrier was at Sorel. A Great White Egret was at Mont a la Brune. About 1,200 Brent Geese, including four pale-bellied birds were seen across the island. La Rocque had 70 Little Egrets, 12 Cattle Egrets, a Black Brant, Short-eared Owls, 50 Red-breasted Mergansers, Common Scoters, Red-necked Grebes, Slavonian Grebes, all three divers, Little Auks, Kittiwakes, Mediterranean Gulls and Sandwich Terns. Peregrines were on Saint Thomas Church. A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Pont Marquet. Great Skuas and thousands of Razorbills and Kittiwakes were in Grouville Bay. A Purple Sandpiper was at Grosnez. Choughs fed in Saint Ouen’s Bay. Le Pulec held a Common Sandpiper. Jack Snipe, 11 Snipe, a Cetti’s Warbler and a probable Penduline Tit were in Fountain Lane. Bertram Bree

CORNWALL

HIGHLIGHTS: Whooper Swans included three at Buryas Bridge (6th). A Greenland White-fronted Goose was at Gwithian (5th). Two Pinkfeet were at Porthgwarra (1st). A Ring-necked Duck was on Dozmary Pool all month, joined by the returning Lesser Scaup (26th-30th). Two Surf Scoters were off Porthpean (5th-30th). A Bittern was at Marazion (7th). Cattle Egrets were reported in small numbers throughout the County, including 12 at Devoran (3rd-5th). Glossy Ibises was on the Camel (4th), and on the Tamar (16th-30th). Four Great White Egrets were at Carn Gloose (1st), with three at the Amble Dam (2nd), Restronguet (3rd) and Hayle (29th). Spoonbills included three on the Tamar (28th). Ospreys passed through in small numbers (to 17th). A Pacific Diver returned to Mount’s Bay (from 4th), with another reported off Rinsey Head (18th). An American Golden Plover was on Hayle (21st-26th). The White-rumped Sandpiper remained at Gwithian (to 2nd). An Iceland Gull was around The Lizard and Coverack (19th-26th). Caspian Gulls were at Colliford (3rd-24th), Sennen Cove and Millbrook (10th) and Mousehole (19th). Glaucous Gulls visited St Ives (13th) and Hayle (26th). A few Short-eared Owls were noted countywide. A Hoopoe was at Helford (1st). A Wryneck was in Cot (15th-20th). A Short-toed Lark was at Polgigga (6th). A few Yellow-browed Warblers, Hawfinches and Water Pipits were noted. A Dusky Warbler was at Sennen (19th-25th). Two Rose-coloured Starlings were at Treen (2nd-4th). A Red-breasted Flycatcher was at Skewjack (30th). Richard’s Pipits were at Porth Mear (3rd) and Cot (17th). A Common Rosefinch was at Pendeen (3rd). A Serin was at Sennen (6th). A few Lapland Buntings were in the far west and on The Lizard all month. Two Little Buntings were at Polgigga (10th-16th) and on The Lizard (17th-19th). Snow Buntings were at Gwithian and Porth Mear (3rd). Sara Mcmahon

DEVON

NORTH DEVON: Braunton had 33 Ruff, 1,250 Golden Plovers, a Marsh Harrier, 172 Black-tailed Godwits and a Red-breasted Merganser. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Skern. A Glossy Ibis and Snow Bunting were at Fremington Pill. Bursdon Moor had two Hen Harriers, a Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Peregrine. A Merlin and Glaucous Gull were at Bideford. Lundy logged 96 Siskins, 50 Bramblings, a Hawfinch, Yellow-browed Warbler, Black Redstart, Lapland Bunting, Firecrest, Dartford Warbler, Merlin, Snow Bunting, Ring Ouzel, two Mediterranean Gulls, 140 Kittiwakes, an Olive-backed Pipit, Great Skua, three Woodcocks, 30 Common Scoters and two Peregrines. SOUTH DEVON: Start Point had a Spoonbill.

Torbay had a Black necked Grebe, Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, eight Common Scoters, ten Eiders and six Great Northern Divers. Soar had 3,000 Woodpigeons, 73 Stock Doves and a Merlin. Haldon Forest had 20 Hawfinches and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Bowling Green Marsh held a Great White Egret and Ruff. Berry Head had a Yellow Wagtail, 1,100 Redwings, two Long-tailed Ducks, a Little Gull, 15 Sooty Shearwaters, a Manx Shearwater, three Puffins, 420 Kittiwakes, seven Great Skuas, a Yellow-legged Gull and two Great Northern Divers. Two Black Redstarts were at Moreleigh. Exminster Marshes had a Merlin, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, 13 Knot, 200 Golden Plovers, two Water Rails, six Little Egrets and two Green Sandpipers. Dawlish Warren had seven Hawfinches, a Great Northern Diver, Jack Snipe, 31 Grey Plovers, a Bonaparte’s Gull, five Red-throated Divers and 12 Rock Pipits. Forty Ring-necked Parakeets and two Black Redstarts were in Plymouth. There were 109 Hawfinches at Longdown. Exmouth held a Richard’s Pipit and Black Brant. The Exe Estuary had a Slavonian Grebe, 100 Pintails, 450 Golden Plovers, 35 Knot, a Bonaparte’s Gull, two Great Northern Divers, a Red-throated Diver, Long-tailed Duck, 300 Avocets, 30 Sanderling and four Kingfishers. Slapton had a Glossy Ibis, Bittern, Black-necked Grebe, 20 Common Scoters, two Great Northern Divers and 17,000 Starlings. Goodrington had three Great Northern Divers, a Red-throated Diver, 43 Common Scoters, ten Eiders and a Mediterranean Gull. Ten Cattle Egrets and a Marsh Harrier were at Topsham. A Dusky Warbler and Siberian Chiffchaff were at Paignton. Ten Cattle Egrets were at Countess Weir, Exeter. A Glossy Ibis was on the River Otter. A Goshawk was at Chudleigh. A putative Italian Sparrow was at East Budleigh. Southdown Farm held 22 Cirl Buntings. Torbay had a Red-necked Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, a Yellow-browed Warbler, Black-throated Diver, 12 Great Northern Divers and two Siberian Chiffchaffs. The Teign Estuary had 15 Red-breasted Mergansers, 80 Common Scoters and a Great Northern Diver. Bolberry Down had 26 Cirl Buntings. Matford Marsh, Exeter held an American Wigeon and 405 Avocets. Woodbury Fort had 200 Bramblings. A Long-tailed Duck was at Mudbanks. Firecrests were widespread. THURLESTONE BAY: Maxima included eight Common Scoters, a Red-breasted Merganser, Great Northern Diver, 245 Gannets, 12 Little Egrets, five Cattle Egrets, a Spoonbill, Merlin, Peregrine, 11 Oystercatchers, nine Ringed Plovers, 60 Lapwings, two Sanderling, a Purple Sandpiper, ten Dunlin, a Jack Snipe, 19 Snipe, a Woodcock, eight Black-tailed Godwits, 28 Curlews, four Common Sandpipers, three Green Sandpipers, 11 Greenshanks, six Redshanks, 27 Turnstones, a Sabine’s Gull, 22 Kittiwakes and a Mediterranean Gull. There were record numbers of Firecrests, two Yellow-browed Warblers, 47 Chiffchaffs ringed, a Siberian Chiffchaff, 70 Fieldfares, 43 Redwings, four Black Redstarts and a Water Pipit. Harvey Kendall, Mike Passman and Thurlestonebaybirds.co.uk

DORSET

HIGHLIGHTS: A Black Brant was at Lynch Cove (2nd and 5th), Ferrybridge (3rd, 15th, 20th and 24th) and Butterstreet Cove (19th). Rodden Hive held 11 Barnacle Geese (4th). A Pink-footed Goose was at East Holme (10th-15th). A Velvet Scoter was in Poole Harbour (1st and 8th). Great White Egrets were at Avon Causeway, Brownsea Lagoon, Christchurch Harbour, RSPB Lodmoor, Longham Lakes, Middlebere, Ower Bay, Poole Harbour, RSPB Radipole Lake and Studland. Cattle Egrets were at Wareham Channel (3rd), Lytchett Bay, Radipole Lake (4th), Abbotsbury Swannery (two on 5th & 12th), Radipole Lake/lodmoor (16th-17th) and Chilcombe Farm (23rd). Three Great Bustards flew over Portland and Ferrybridge (30th). The Lesser Yellowlegs remained at Lodmoor throughout. The Stilt Sandpiper was at Middlebere (2nd) and in Brownsea Lagoon (24th-27th). Abbotsbury Swannery had a Spotted Sandpiper (12th) and Grey Phalarope (19th). Caspian Gulls were at Swineham GP (6th) and Radipole Lake (20th). A Ring-billed Gull was at Radipole Lake (18th), with a Bonaparte’s Gull at Lodmoor (24th). A Little Auk passed Portland Bill (11th). A Wryneck was at Dorchester (2nd-3rd). Late Swallows were at Durlston CP (17th), Winspit (10th) and Radipole Lake (22nd). Black Redstarts were at various sites. Yellow-browed Warblers were at Hengistbury Head (4th), Lyme Regis (2nd & 5th) and Portland (1st), with one ringed at Portland Observatory (3rd). A Barred Warbler was near the Fleet (2nd). A Pallas’s Warbler was on Portland (18th) and a Radde’s Warbler in Weymouth (20th). Great Grey Shrikes were at Middlebere (3rd) and Morden Bog (22nd-26th). Hawfinches were at several sites. A Little Bunting was at Lyme Bay (3rd). A Lapland Bunting flew over Hengistbury Head (3rd), with four Snow Buntings at Ferrybridge (11th). A Cirl Bunting was on The Fleet (15th). An Ortolan Bunting was at Martinstown (15th-19th). Maiden Castle held 1,000 Golden Plovers (14th). There were 2,120 Brent Geese at Ferrybridge (1st), including three pale-bellieds. RSPB Arne recorded 50 Spoonbills (3rd). Merlins were regular. Robin Trundle

ISLES OF SCILLY

HIGHLIGHTS: Bird of the month was a Snowy Owl on Shipman Head Down, Bryher (30th). The Radde’s Warbler remained at Borough Farm, St Mary’s (to 2nd). Other long-staying birds included the Little Bunting on St Agnes (to 3rd), the Water Pipit at Porth Hellick beach all month, and the two Spoonbills near Samson. Seven Yellow-browed Warblers were noted at the start of the month, along with several Siberian Chiffchaffs and Firecrests. Hawfinches were at various sites (to 4th). What was thought to be a new Wilson’s Snipe was on Lower Moors (3rd-6th). A Bullfinch was in Holy Vale (1st), with three there (7th). The Surf Scoter was between the islands again (2nd), along with five Common Scoters. A Cattle Egret flew over Pelistry (3rd). A Snow Bunting was on Little Porth (5th-6th). Two Iceland Gulls spent a few days around Hugh Town (from 8th). A Lesser Whitethroat, possibly a Siberian-race bird was in Lower Moors (8th-9th). A very late Willow Warbler was at Little Porth (9th). The Surf Scoter was between the islands again (13th), with a Long-tailed Duck, Eider and 20 Great Northern Divers. A Short-eared Owl was on the Garrison (13th). A Little Gull flew over Hugh Town towards Porth Cressa (14th), when a Great Spotted Woodpecker was at Porth Hellick. A Dusky Warbler was in H igher Moors (18th-24th). A Red Kite, first seen over Normandy (18th), was in the Holy Vale/kitty Down area until late. A Ring Ouzel was at Carn Friars (from 20th), before moving to Maypole (28th-29th). Two Black-necked Grebes were in the harbour (from 20th), and were joined by a Red-breasted Merganser (from 23rd). The Great Spotted Woodpecker was seen again in Holy Vale (26th). Will Wagstaff

SOUTH EAST Highlights

The Long-billed Dowitcher remained at Oare Marshes, Kent. In the same county, a Siberian Stonechat was on private land at Haslstow Marshes. A Hume’s Leaf Warbler was heard calling at Dungeness NNR, Kent on 9th.

BEDFORDSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Great Northern Diver was at Brogborough Lake (11th) and then Chimney Corner Clay Pit (13th-15th). Hawfinches were at The Lodge, Woburn Park, Willington, Arlesey, Maulden Wood, Old Warden, Eversholt, Wrest Park, Barton-le-clay, Kempston Hardwick, Henlow, Cranfield, Stopsley, Upper Caldecote, Priory CP, Luton and Sandy Heath. The highest count was 16 at Southill (11th). A Siberian Chiffchaff and Jack Snipe were at Bedford STW. A Great White Egret was at Kempston (13th), Priory CP (18th) and Blunham (26th). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

BERKSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: Sixteen Parrot Crossbills at Wishmoor Bottom, Swinley Forest (26th-30th) were the first record for Berkshire since 1984. Great White Egrets were at Burghfield GP (18th) and Moor Green Lakes (20th). A Bearded Tit was at Moor Green Lakes (26th-28th). DINTON PASTURES CP: Highlights included two Bitterns, a Brent Goose (13th), Shelduck (13th), Pintail (6th), three Ferruginous Ducks (7th-23rd), two Water Rails and eight Hawfinches. QUEEN MOTHER RESERVOIR: There was a Black-necked Grebe and Rock Pipit (2nd). THEALE GP: Highlights included three Black-necked Grebes, four Red-crested Pochards (5th-8th), three Water Rails (3rd-6th) and an Oystercatcher (8th). OTHER SITES: A Pintail was at Padworth Lane GP (12th). Three Red-crested Pochards were at Twyford GP (16th). Merlins were at Winnersh (2nd) and Cold Harbour (6th). A Firecrest was in Reading (14th). Hawfinches were at Wokingham (1st-8th), Newbury (2nd-28th), Windsor Great Park (3rd-19th), Brimpton Common (6th), Padworth College (8th-30th), Lower Farm GP (11th-14th), Moor Green Lakes (12th-29th), Basildon Park (13th-28th), Woodley (17th), Combe (20th), Lower Padworth (21st), Reading (21st), Easthampstead Park (22nd) and Swinley Forest (27th-30th). Marek Walford (www.berksbirds.co.uk)

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: Great White Egrets were at Little Marlow GP (18th), over Willen Lakes (18th) and at Foxcote Reservoir (two on 30th). Pinkfeet flew over Buckingham (14th) and Padbury (two on 29th), with another at College Lake (from 13th). There were two Scaup at Calvert (4th) and a Common Scoter at Dorney Lake (31st). A Marsh Harrier flew over Little Marlow GP (13th). A Wryneck was at Pitstone Hill (6th-8th). Yellow-browed Warblers were at Little Marlow GP (to 2nd), Milton Keynes (1st) and Weston Turville Reservoir (1st). There were two Bearded Tits at Calvert (from 30th). At least 495 Hawfinches were logged from 18 sites. CALVERT LAKES: There were two Bitterns (29th), with one (from 17th), three Red-crested Pochards (26th), Mediterranean Gulls (20th and two on 31st), 15 Yellow-legged Gulls (31st) and Caspian Gulls (13th and 31st). COLLEGE LAKE: There were four Pintails (28th), two Red-crested Pochards (29th-30th), a Yellow-legged Gull (24th) and Whinchat (1st). FOXCOTE RESERVOIR: There were Yellow-legged Gulls (19th and 31st) and a Caspian Gull (16th) IVINGHOE HILLS: There was a Merlin (14th), Ring Ouzels on six dates including four (28th) and 22 Bramblings over (26th). LITTLE MARLOW GP: There were three Pintails (31st), four Red-crested Pochards (28th), three Goosanders (from 27th), a Ringed Plover (19th-22nd), Dunlin (22nd), Ruff (4th), three Yellow-legged Gulls (19th) and a Caspian Gull (19th). ROWSHAM: There was a Yellow-legged Gull (1st) and Ring Ouzel (25th). OTHER SITES: A Pintail was at Willen Lake (20th). A Merlin flew over Campbell Park, MK (21st). A Jack Snipe was at Gallows Bridge (16th). A Rock Pipit was at Startop’s End Reservoir (12th). Ring Ouzels were at Bledlow Ridge (23rd) and Coombe Hill (two on 19th). A Crossbill was at Great Missenden (4th). Adam Bassett (www.bucksbirdclub.co.uk)

HAMPSHIRE

BLASHFORD LAKES: The Lesser Scaup remained (to 4th). Ibsley Water held a Ferruginous Duck, Pink-footed Goose, Caspian Gull, 11 Yellow-legged Gulls, a Dunlin, Ringed Plover, three Green Sandpipers and two Water Pipits. A Glossy Ibis flew over Avon Tyrell (19th). Great White Egrets were at Ivy Lake, Avon Causeway, Bickton and Burgate Manor Farm. A Hen Harrier was at Fordingbridge. HILL HEAD-HAMBLE: Titchfield Haven logged a Barred Warbler (19th), Ruff, Avocet, two Marsh Harriers and a Merlin. Hill Head had a Red-throated Diver and Kittiwake. Seven Common Scoters and a Razorbill were off Brownwich. A Rose-coloured Starling was at Hook-with-warsash (13th), where there was also a Marsh Harrier and ten Bearded Tits. LANGSTONE HARBOUR: A Stilt Sandpiper was at Farlington Marshes (7th), with a Glossy Ibis there (16th). There was also a Merlin, Marsh Harrier, three Short-eared Owls, 36 Avocets, a Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Wheatear and 24 Bearded Tits. Langstone Harbour held two Velvet Scoters, a Long-tailed Duck, two Great Northern Divers and 11 Black-necked Grebes. A Great White Egret was at Southmoors and a Cattle Egret at Warblington. Hayling Island produced a county rarity in the form of a Black Guillemot at Sandy Point (23rd). Also there was a Purple Sandpiper, two Black-throated Divers, a Great Northern Diver and 31 Sandwich Terns.

LYMINGTON-MILFORD-ON-SEA: Pennington logged two Cattle Egrets (5th-17th), four Spoonbills, a Grey Phalarope (to 11th), ten Avocets, three Ruff, a Purple Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper and eight Spotted Redshanks. Offshore, there was a Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver and two Slavonian Grebes. A Merlin, two Marsh Harriers and a Short-eared Owl hunted. Several late Swallows were reported (last on 27th). A Little Auk was off Hordle Cliff (17th). Sightings off Milford-on-sea/hurst Beach included a Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver and 18 Kittiwakes. OTHER SITES: A Red-necked Phalarope was at Needs Ore (2nd). A Snow Bunting was at Inchmery (29th). In the New Forest, Great Grey Shrikes were at Vales Moor and Milkham Bottom. Hen Harriers were at Matley Bog, Black Gutter Bottom and Ocknell Plain. A late Whinchat was at Longslade Bottom (26th). Another was at Bransbury Common, also a Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Testwood Lakes had a Whooper Swan, five Great White Egrets and two Bitterns. Great White Egrets were also at Tundry Pond, Fleet Pond, Timsbury (two), Yateley GP, Fishlake Meadows and Warnford. A Cattle Egret flew over Liss (30th). A Long-tailed Duck was off Weston Shore. Alresford had a Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, seven Green Sandpipers and four Water Pipits. Hawfinches were widely reported, and included 21 over Bricksbury Hill, Fleet, 24 over Trigpoint Hill, Timsbury and 21 at Testwood Lakes. Tom Jordan

HERTFORDSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Snow Bunting was at Wilstone Reservoir (18th-23rd). A Great Grey Shrike (11th) and two Water Pipit Ryes were Rye Meads. A Smew was at Seventy Acre Lake. Hawfinches were at Amwell, Wormley West End (11 on 14th), Berkhamsted, Knebworth Park, Oxhey, Cheshunt, Hatfield and Bramfield. Seventy were at Broxbourne Woods (17th). Great White Egrets were at Amwell (2nd), Tyttenhanger GP (3rd), Maple Lodge (from 5th) and Stockers Lake (18th). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

KENT

HIGHLIGHTS: A Hume’s Leaf Warbler was trapped and ringed at Dungeness NNR (9th). A Siberian Stonechat was on private land at Halstow Marshes (19th). A Dusky Warbler was at Sandwich Bay (3rd), along with a Pallas’s Warbler. Another Pallas’s Warbler was at Kingsdown (4th). A Little Bunting flew over New Downs, Sandwich Bay (6th), when two Ring Ouzels were also present. A Grey Phalarope was at sea off Dungeness NNR (7th). A Great White Egret flew past Mill Point, Folkestone (7th), one was at Scotney GP (11th), one at Northward Hill RSPB (13th), one at Grove Ferry NNR (15th), one at Dungeness NNR (19th), one at Halstow Marshes (19th), one at Hamstreet (24th), one at Cooling Marshes (24th), and one at Upstreet (25th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Leysdown-onsea (8th). A Crane flew over Tenterden (8th). A Sabine’s Gull and three Pomarine Skuas passed Reculver 12th). A Red-necked Phalarope was at Pegwell Bay (16th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Cliffe (16th). A Green-winged Teal was at Oare Marshes NR (20th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Sandwich Bay (25th). Capel Fleet had a Rough-legged Buzzard (25th).

SURREY

HIGHLIGHTS: A Twite was at Beddington SF (from 22nd). Morton Hall Park hosted a Siberian Chiffchaff (25th). A flock of 15 Parrot Crossbills took up residence on the Surrey/berkshire border at Wishmoor Bottom, Bagshot (from 27th). Hawfinches were seen across the County. LONDON WETLAND CENTRE: Six Red-crested Pochards were present (7th-8th). There was a Bittern, Great White Egret, Jack Snipe, Ring Ouzel and Water Pipit. STAINES RESERVOIRS: An American Horned Lark was at Staines Reservoir (from 19th). An Avocet, Black-necked Grebe, Pintail, Ringed Plover and Water Pipit were also there. OTHER SURREY WATERWAYS: A Great White Egret flew over Stoke Water Meadows, Guildford (1st). Holmethorpe SP had Goosander (15th), Jack Snipe and Scaup. A Caspian Gull, Jack Snipe and Water Pipit were at Beddington SF. OTHER SITES: A Great Grey Shrike arrived at Thursley Common (1st). Staines Moor held four Water Pipits. Two Great White Egrets flew over Capel (15th), with a Short-eared Owl there (17th). Fifty Golden Plovers circled Tice’s Meadow, Farnham (16th). Peter Bryant

SUSSEX

EAST SUSSEX: A Crane was at Horse Eye Level (8th). A Great Grey Shrike was still around Ashdown Forest (14th). A Great White Egret was at Rye Harbour NR (28th). A Black Redstart was at Brighton Marina (6th), with two at Tide Mills (13th), one at Hertsmonceux Church (13th), and one at Eastbourne (18th). A first-winter Little Gull passed Splash Point (7th), and one was offshore at Beachy Head (22nd). A Ring Ouzel was at Lewes (13th). A Purple Sandpiper was at Hastings beach (19th). A Lapland Bunting was at Beachy Head (22nd), and one was at East Guldeford Level (26th). A Jack Snipe was flushed at Broadwater Warren RSPB (22nd). A first-winter Caspian Gull was at Cuckmere Haven (23rd). a Great Northern Diver was at Newhaven harbour (27th). A Black Guillemot was at Eastbourne (28th). A juvenile Glaucous Gull was at Eastbourne (29th). Hawfinches were at Crowborough (2nd), Isfield (2nd & 14th), Old Lodge, Ashdown Forest (12-plus, 5th), Chailey (5th), Penhurst (five, 5th & 20-plus, 24th), Weir Wood Reservoir (three, 6th), Ninfield (six, 7th), Beckley (7th), Uckfield (three, 8th), South Chailey (four, 10th), Dallington Forest (four, 10th), Plumpton Green (three, 13th), Netherfield (40-plus, 17th), Wivelsfield (six, 21st) and Barcombe Cross (14, 24th). WEST SUSSEX: A Great White Egret was at Pagham Harbour LNR (5th), and other records there included Black-necked Grebe (3rd), Curlew Sandpiper (7th), Slavonian Grebe (9th), a juvenile Velvet Scoter (10th), a Long-tailed Duck (13th), and a Spoonbill (20th-21st). Medmerry RSPB had a Glossy Ibis (15th), two Black Redstarts (14th), a Spoonbill (17th & 28th), three Great White Egrets (28th), a Short-eared Owl (29th). Selsey Bill had a Ring Ouzel (5th), a Slavonian Grebe (7th), a Black-throated Diver, a Slavonian Grebe and two Great Northern Divers (14th), a Red-necked Grebe and at least seven Great Northern Divers (23rd), and a Snow Bunting (28th). Four Slavonian Grebes were off Church Norton (6th). Three Spotted Redshanks and a Jack Snipe were at Apuldram (9th). A Red-necked Grebe was off Goring-by-sea (15th), plus a Black-throated Diver. A Short-eared Owl was at Beeding Brooks (18th). A ringtail Hen Harrier was at The Burgh (18th), and one was at Pulborough Brooks RSPB (24th). Two Firecrests were at Church Norton (22nd). Hawfinches were at Singleton (six, 6th), Warnham LNR (8th), Eartham Wood (four, 8th), Findon (11th), Haywards Heath (13th), Arundel WWT (14th), Arundel cricket ground (16th) and Arundel Park (25th), Chichester GP (25th), Petworth Park (25th) and Angmering (25th).

EAST ANGLIA Highlights

A red-flanked Bluetail was a great find at Lowestoft, Suffolk on 7th, as was a Barred Warbler at Landguard, Suffolk early on. At least three Pallas’s Warblers were also in the county during the month. Parrot Crossbills dominated the end of the month on the Suffolk/norfolk border.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Shore Lark was at Burwell Fen (5th-8th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Yaxley (1st). Grafham Water held a Great Northern Diver (from 10th), Great Grey Shrike (14th) and Scaup. A Smew was at Fen Drayton (19th). The Ouse Washes held four Pinkfeet (2nd) and a Kittiwake (12th). A Black Redstart was at Ferry Meadows (21st). Eleven Hawfinches were at Wimpole Hall (4th). Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

ESSEX

METROPOLITAN ESSEX: Hawfinches were at 13 and Firecrests at 12. A Red-necked Grebe was at Roding Valley Meadows. Wanstead Flats had a Woodlark. King George V Reservoir hosted a Spoonbill, Merlin, five Goosanders, a Black-necked Grebe, Scaup and Great Northern Diver. A Leach’s Petrel was on the Girling. Two Bitterns were on Seventy Acres Lake. A Smew was on Friday Lake. Walthamstow Reservoirs had a Black-necked Grebe and Short-eared Owl. A Yellow-browed Warbler was in a Gidea Park garden. A Caspian Gull was at Thames Barrier Park. Gallions Reach had a Short-eared Owl and Sabine’s Gull. MID ESSEX: Abberton Reservoir logged three Great White Egrets, a Ring-necked Duck, two Black-necked Grebes, a Slavonian Grebe, 33 Goosanders, a Red-breasted Merganser, Smew, Long-tailed Duck, two Scaup, 1,025 Great Crested Grebes, three Bewick’s Swans, good numbers of Ruff, Black-tailed Godwits, Ringed Plovers and Dunlin, a Curlew Sandpiper, three Little Stints, 100 Corn Buntings, a Dartford Warbler and Great Skua. Abbotts Hall held a Glossy Ibis. A Great Northern Diver, Lapland Bunting and two Whimbrels were at Old Hall. The outer Blackwater held two Great Northern Divers, three Velvet Scoters and a Slavonian Grebe. A Black Brant and Ring Ouzel were on Mersea. Heybridge had a Red-throated Diver. A Whooper Swan was near Danbury. Six Goosanders were between Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea. Wivenhoe logged a Dartford Warbler, Great White Egret, Hen Harrier and Merlin. A Jack Snipe was at The Hythe. Brightlingsea had a Merlin, 14 Marsh Harriers and a pale-bellied Brent Goose. Fingringhoe attracted 40 Greenshanks and 14 Red-breasted Mergansers. Hawfinches were at five sites. NORTH ESSEX: Maxima at Holland Haven included 225 Common Scoters, five Great Skuas, a Black-throated Diver, four Guillemots, two Short-eared Owls, three Snow Buntings, a Common Tern, eight Eiders, two Purple Sandpipers, a Caspian Gull, Leach’s Petrel, Long-tailed Skua and seven Little Gulls. Frinton logged 130 Common Scoters, 52 Gannets, eight Great Skuas, two Short-eared Owls, a Woodcock, four Snow Buntings, an Iceland Gull, Scaup, two Black-throated Divers and two Pomarine Skuas. Thirty Hawfinches were in Hatfield Forest. The Naze logged a Dartford Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler, Short-eared Owl, two Purple Sandpipers, a Merlin, Woodcock, Firecrest, Black Brant, Lapland Bunting, five Snow Buntings, a Sandwich Tern, 1,000 Brent Geese, an Iceland Gull, two Shore Larks and a Black Redstart. A Snow Bunting was at Jaywick. Two Long-tailed Ducks were off St Osyth, and one in Hamford Water. A White-fronted Goose was on Howlands Marsh. Wrabness held 25 Goldeneyes, 30 Red-breasted Mergansers, a Shag and Great Northern Diver. Ospreys were at Manningtree and Leez Priory. RAINHAM MARSHES: Highlights included good numbers of Lesser Redpolls and Siskins, six Hawfinches, a Brambling, Mealy Redpoll, Lapland Bunting, Snow Bunting, three Firecrests, two Black Redstarts, a Whinchat, Yellow-browed Warbler, Woodcock, five Water Pipits, five Ruff, a Bar-tailed Godwit, Turnstone, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, six Marsh Harriers, 12 Brent Geese, 12 Common Scoters, two Goosanders, a Cattle Egret and Short-eared Owl. SOUTH EAST ESSEX: Wat Tyler had a Cattle Egret and Bittern. Gunners Park held an Eider, 80 Common Scoters, a Goosander, 411

Sanderling, a Wheatear and Black-throated Diver. Canvey logged a Razorbill, Black Redstart, 38 Great Crested Grebes, 85 Gannets, 110 Common Scoters, a Goosander, four Red-breasted Mergansers, two Velvet Scoters, 17 Red-throated Divers, a Black-throated Diver and Pomarine Skua. Short-eared Owls were at Two Tree Island and Wallasea, where a Hen Harrier and Merlin were noted. A Jack Snipe and 93 Corn Buntings were at Stow Marsh. Six Whooper Swans were at Burnham-on-crouch. Bradwell BO had a Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, 10,000 Knot, a Dartford Warbler and Great White Egret. Hawfinches were at four sites. A Black Redstart was in South Fambridge. Little Stints were at Hanningfield Reservoir and Bowers Marsh. Between TTNP and East Tilbury, there were 938 Avocets and 1,268 Black-tailed Godwits. Howard Vaughan

NORFOLK

HIGHLIGHTS: An influx of Parrot Crossbills saw up to 44 at Santon Downham (from 25th). White-billed Diver sightings came from Mundesley (2nd-3rd), Sheringham (5th) and Walcott (6th). Pallas’s Warblers were at Great Yarmouth (3rd) and Happisburgh (9th). A late Yellow-browed Warbler was at Holme (15th). Eighteen Shore Larks were at Happisburgh (from 5th), with others at Wells, Salthouse (four on 5th), Holkham (23rd) and Holme (from 24th). Richard’s Pipits were at Hunstanton (7th), Breydon Water (10th), Titchwell (10th) and Weybourne (17th). A Great Grey Shrike was at Salthouse (3rd). Grey Phalaropes were at Cley Marshes (5th-13th) and Kelling Water Meadows (9th). In the area were two Iceland Gulls and a Glaucous Gull mid-month. A Dotterel was at Titchwell and Choseley (5th). A taiga Bean Goose was near Burnham Overy Staithe, with it, or another, at Bircham Newton. The Black Brant remained at Cley Marshes. The Grey-bellied Brant was at Burnham Overy Marshes (7th) and Bircham Newton (22nd). A Long-tailed Duck was at Brancaster Staithe (from 18th). The two Cattle Egrets remained at Stiffkey. BREYDON WATER: Highlights were a Guillemot (21st) and Water Pipits on five dates. Maxima included 90 Little Egrets, 15 Great Crested Grebes, 9,700 Pinkfeet, 225 Greylags, 16 Egyptian Geese, 87 Shelducks, 1,642 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 551 Shovelers, 391 Teal, 43 Pintails, 80 Avocets, 47 Ringed Plovers, 16,000 Golden Plovers, 3,650 Lapwings, 3,910 Dunlin, 73 Snipe, 753 Black -tailed Godwits, 355 Curlews, 1,040 Redshanks, a Common Sandpiper, three Ruff, two Spotted Redshanks and 173 Mediterranean Gulls.marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Peregrines were regular, with a Hen Harrier (23rd) and Short-eared Owls five dates There were three Snow Buntings, a Lapland Bunting (3rd), Grey Wagtail (1st), 17 Goldfinches, three Stonechats and a Kingfisher. Pete Allard and Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

SUFFOLK

HIGHLIGHTS: A Red-flanked Bluetail was at Lowestoft (7th-8th). An influx of Parrot Crossbills saw up to 44 at Santon Downham (from 25th) and six at Upper Hollesley Common (25th-26th). A Coues’ Arctic Redpoll was at Hazelwood Marshes (from 28th). Barred Warblers were at Landguard (3rd-6th and 9th). Pallas’s Warblers were at Orfordness (4th and 5th), Felixstowe (5th), Bawdsey (6th) and Landguard (24th). A Richard’s Pipit was at Chelmondiston (from 25th). Shore Larks were at Minsmere (14th) and Covehithe Broad (16th-17th). A Long-tailed Skua flew past Shingle Street (3rd). A Long-tailed Duck was on Covehithe Broad. A Slavonian Grebe was at Trimley Marshes. Robin Chittenden. For the latest bird news please phone 09068 700 245. Calls to 09068 700 245 from a landline or mobile phone cost 65p per minute plus your phone company access charge. Service provided by Birdline East Anglia. For enquiries please call 0330 333 6946 or 07941 333 970; www.birdlineeastanglia.co.uk

MIDLANDS Highlights

Surely find of the month was a Cory’s Shearwater at Rutland Water (2nd), only the second ever inland record of the species. However, the shearwater’s relocation, if briefly (4th) at Pittsford Reservoir, Northants, must also push the find close. Meanwhile, in Warwickshire, a Lesser Yellowlegs spent a few days at a private site near Maxstoke.

DERBYSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Red-throated Diver was picked up grounded near Rotherham, South Yorks (14th) and released at Renishaw Lake (15th). A Great Northern Diver flew over Carsington Water (19th), with another there (24th-30th). Bitterns were at Willington GP intermittently and at Aston-on-trent GP (9th). Two Cattle Egrets were at Drakelow (2nd), one (5th). The Long-tailed Duck returned here occasionally. A Marsh Harrier was at Willington GP (12th). A Glaucous Gull roosted at Middleton Moor (8th-14th). Five Waxwings flew over Ogston Reservoir (22nd), when another was at Hardwick Hall. A Firecrest was at Willington GP (1st). A Snow Bunting was at Shipley CP (7th). Great White Egrets were at seven sites. ASTON-ON-TRENT GP: There were four Little Egrets, 10 Goldeneyes, three Goosanders, two Water Rails and two Chiffchaffs. CARR VALE: There were three Little Egrets, two Peregrines, five Water Rails, a peak of 2,400 Pinkfeet over, a Pintail, Goldeneye, Merlin, 35 Golden Plovers, four Chiffchaffs, a Cetti’s Warbler, Hawfinch and Brambling. CARSINGTON WATER: Highlights were 30 Little Grebes, a Pintail, 14 Goldeneyes, nine Goosanders, two Water Rails, 26 Whooper Swans, 190 Pinkfeet, Common Scoter, two Ringed Plovers, four Golden Plovers, 16 Dunlin, five Ruff, 43 Snipe, three Woodcocks, nine Redshanks, two Jack Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Kittiwake, Caspian Gull, four Yellow-legged Gulls, a site record 19 Grey Wagtails, a Stonechat, Chiffchaff, 22 Bramblings, three Crossbills and 28 Hawfinches. DRAKELOW: There were 443 Cormorants, two Little Egrets, a Water Rail, Green Sandpiper, Goldeneye and two Goosanders. LONG EATON GP: There were two Little Egrets, two Pintails and two Hawfinches. OGSTON RESERVOIR: Highlights were four Little Egrets, two Mandarins, six Goosanders, 39 Whooper Swans, 3,505 Pinkfeet, a Goshawk, Merlin, Water Rail, three Golden Plovers, three Dunlin, a Redshank, three Ruff, two Black-tailed Godwits, two Yellow-legged Gulls, a Barn Owl, Stonechat, two Crossbills, 14 Bramblings, eight Hawfinches and 50 Tree Sparrows. WILLINGTON GP: There were 24 Little Egrets, nine Egyptian Geese, two Goldeneyes, two Goosanders, seven Water Rails, a Common Sandpiper, Redshank and five Ravens. OTHER SITES: A Whooper Swan was at

Longdendale, with 12 over North Wingfield. A Pintail was at Errwood Reservoir and a Common Scoter at Staunton Harold Reservoir. Water. Red Kites were at Sawley, Allestree Park and Great Longstone. Two Jack Snipe were at Ashbourne Airfield, with singles at Shipley and Etwall. Two Green Sandpipers were at Egginton SF. Five Caspian Gulls roosted at Foremark Reservoir. Two Hawfinches were at North Wingfield. Rod Key

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

COTSWOLDS: A Snow Bunting was at Leckhampton Hill (1st-2nd). At the Cotswold Water Park, a Ring-necked Duck was at pit 57 (11th). A Whooper Swan and Scaup remained and a Marsh Harrier and 25 Goosanders were noted. Migrants over Painswick Beacon included two Ring Ouzels and 24 Hawfinches (1st). The Cleeve Hill area logged a Great Grey Shrike (to 21st), Woodcock, two Short-eared Owls, a late Wheatear (8th) and 12 Corn Buntings. A Merlin was near Winstone (9th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Cam Long Down (9th-17th). A Hen Harrier was in The Barringtons area (from 12th) with two (21st), a Merlin (17th) and 40 Red Kites. Hawfinches included 30 at an undisclosed site, 13 over Nailsworth, eight at Hidcote (1st), four at Cam Peak, two at Rudge Hill and Cirencester Park, and singles at Guiting Power and Naunton. There were 100 Bramblings near Hilcot, five Crossbills at Batsford (19th) and 15 Corn Buntings at Eastleach. FOREST OF DEAN: A Great Grey Shrike was at Crabtree Hill. Another was at Staple Edge Wood (8th) and then Russells Inclosure (21st). Nine Hawfinches were at Tidenham Chase, with six at Nagshead and two at Symonds Yat. Twenty Crossbills were at Edge Hills. A Goosander was at Woorgreens. LOWER SEVERN VALE: Frampton Pools logged a Whooper Swan, Goosander, three Green Sandpipers, a Yellow-legged Gull, Siberian Chiffchaff (12th), 25 Lesser Redpolls and a Hawfinch. A Merlin was nearby (14th). Berkeley Shore had two Merlins (4th) and two Jack Snipe. Two Water Pipits and a Jack Snipe were at Saul Warth. A Black Redstart and Whimbrel were at Beachley Point (4th). Sharpness had a Black Redstart (from 21st), Marsh Harrier (10th) and Common Sandpiper (4th). A Short-eared Owl flew over the M5 near Hardwick (8th). Four Hawfinches were at Aylburton Warth (5th) and one at Cambridge. A family of four Whooper Swans arrived at Walmore Common (19th) and were then at Rodley where there was a Merlin (29th). UPPER SEVERN VALE: Two Black Redstarts were at Tewkesbury Abbey (24th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Castlemeads, Gloucester (24th). Two Hawfinches were at Hasfield (8th), with five over Longlevens and three Cheltenham. A Willow Warbler was at Corse (30th). Andy Jayne (01452 506 502) and The Gloster Birder www.theglosterbirder.co.uk

LEICESTERSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A male Ferruginous Duck was at Eyebrook Reservoir (10th-30th), with a Glossy Ibis there briefly (24th). A total of at least 32 Hawfinches were seen at nine sites with a maximum of 13 at Groby (2nd). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Aylestone Meadows (9th). CHARNWOOD: There were 820 Wigeon and three Pintail at Swithland Reservoir (30th). A Great White Egret flew over Blackbrook Reservoir (5th). A Black Redstart was at Cotes (3rd) and a Siberian Chiffchaff at Dishley Pool (19th). EYEBROOK RESERVOIR: There were two single Scaup (23rd & 30th), a Smew (24th), a Marsh Harrier (2nd), a Merlin (12th), a Great White Egret (6th) and two Mediterranean Gulls (3rd & 25th). Waders included up to 56 Dunlin (29th), a late Curlew Sandpiper (13th), a Knot (25th) and three Ruff (3rd). NW LEICESTERSHIRE: Up to five Stonechats were at Longmoor Lake. Four Whooper Swans flew over Sence Valley Forest Park (5th) and a late Swallow was at Ravenstone (18th). SOAR VALLEY: A Great White Egret was at Cossington Meadows (5th), with three Stonechats there (17th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Watermead CP (20th). STANFORD RESERVOIR: There was a Great Northern Diver (24th), two long-staying Red-crested Pochards, a Hen Harrier (5th), a Black-tailed Godwit (4th) and a Little Gull (4th). Steve Lister, (01509 829495)

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Cory’s Shearwater at Pitsford Reservoir (4th) was a county first. A Dotterel flew over there (6th). A Black-necked Grebe was at Ringstead GP (to 5th). A Black Redstart was in Daventry (2nd). A Firecrest visited a Little Billing garden (11th). Bitterns were at Boddington Reservoir (6th and 8th), Ditchford GP (8th) and Stortons GP (22nd). Hen Harriers were at Sywell Airfield (1st), Stanford Reservoir (5th), near Kelmarsh (6th) and at Harrington Airfield (12th). A Great Northern Diver was at Stanford Reservoir (24th-25th) before moving to Hollowell Reservoir (27th-30th). Great White Egrets included five at Pitsford, four at Stanwick GP, three at Ravensthorpe Reservoir, two at Ditchford GP and one at Earls Barton GP. Hawfinches were at 29 sites including 14 at Harrington, 13 at East Carlton CP, eight at Hanging Houghton and seven at Ditchford. CLIFFORD HILL GP: There were two Whooper Swans, 60 Golden Plovers, six Goosanders, two Peregrines and a Stonechat. HOLLOWELL: A Whooper Swan, Merlin, two Caspian Dunlin and Gulls, two five Green Stonechats, Sandpipers a Brambling, were the pick. two PITSFORD: There were five Scaup, a Common Scoter (19th), six Red-crested Pochards, 22 Pintails, a Black-tailed Godwit, three Ruff, 15 Dunlin, 51 Golden Plovers, four Redshanks, three Green Sandpipers, a Water Pipit, six Stonechats, three Bramblings, two Caspian Gulls and a Yellow-legged Gull. RAVENSTHORPE: Whooper Swans were seen (3rd and 18th-30th). A Scaup was present (from 3rd). Two Red-crested Pochards, two Pintails, four Green Sandpipers, a Dunlin and two Yellow-legged Gulls were noted. STANFORD RESERVOIR: There was a Merlin, Peregrine, Little Gull (4th), Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sandpiper, two Red-crested Pochards and a Caspian Gull. STANWICK GP: A Pink-footed Goose was present for most of the month. Seven Whooper Swans and a Mediterranean Gull visited. There were four Red-crested Pochards, a Black-tailed Godwit, three Redshanks, two Dunlin and two Bramblings. OTHER SITES: Merlins were at Brackley, Newton Bromswold, Thenford and at Spanhoe Airfield. A Scaup stayed at Sywell CP (from 14th). Boddington Reservoir had a Little Gull (18th), Caspian Gulland six Yellow-legged Gulls. Ten Bramblings were at Harrington and one at Earls Barton. A Stonechat was at Ditchford. A Jack Snipe was at Barnes Meadow. Bob Bullock (01604 627 262)

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: The Great Grey Shrike remained at Owthorpe (to 21st). A Firecrest was at Clumber (14th). A Glossy Ibis flew over Netherfield (24th). A Water Pipit was noted at Holme Pierrepont (26th). LOUND: Up to five Ruff were at the Idle Valley, with nine at the Washlands. Redshanks peaked at 15 at Hagg Lane as well as 12 Dunlin. Up to 20 Golden Plover were at Lound. The gull roost on Bellmore Lake was productive, with a Baltic Gull, as well as up to three Caspians and seven Yellow-leggeds. Great White Egrets made several appearances, with two (19th). Groups of 22 and 14 Whooper Swans were recorded. Three Bearded Tits were seen (17th-19th). A Hawfinch was noted flying over. ATTENBOROUGH NR: Waders included a Redshank, Green Sandpiper, six Dunlin and a Woodcock. Thirty Golden Plovers were noted and eight Curlew flew over. Goosanders peaked at 34 and there were two Pintail. Eleven Whooper Swans were seen (9th) and two (18th). A Great White Egret was present (11th) and Bittern were noted on several occasions. A Black-necked Grebe was present throughout. Passerines included three Hawfinches and a Stonechat. A Short-eared Owl was also noted. OTHER SIGHTINGS: A big movement of Pinkfeet occurred early on. Significant counts included 1,945 over Annesely and 2,400 over Hoveringham (2nd) and 1,550 over Budby Pumping Station (5th). Whooper Swans were at Misterton (97), Annesely (39), Redhill (25), Gringley (20), Budby (19), Spalford (13) and Langford Lowfields (12). Three Pintail were at Kilvington, and another three at Hoveringham, whie one was at Collingham. Scaup were seen at Annesely (5th), Hoveringham (6th) and Girton (15th). Two Black-necked Grebes were at Holme Pierrepont. Great White Egrets were regular, at Barnby, King’s Mill Reservoir, Netherfield, Orston, Langford and Dunham. Bitterns were at Holme Pierrepont and Netherfield. Spalford produced up to four Yellow-legged Gulls and two Caspians. Hoveringham also had a Caspian Gull as well as a Med, while Caspians were at Kilvington and Cotham. Waders included two Greenshank and three Jack Snipe at Kilvington, four Curlew at Collingham, and a Bar-tailed Godwit at Hoveringham. Woodcock were at Netherfield, Compton Acres, Clifton and six were at Osberton. Golden Plover flocks included 156 at Barton-in-fabis, 56 at Budby Pumping Station, 56 at Annesley, 80 at Gringley and 17 at Hoveringham. Red Kites were at Lowdham and Edwinstowe, while Short-eared Owls were at Bestwood and Osberton. The Hawfinch invasion continued, with birds at at least 15 locations, including 16 at Thoresby and seven at Rufford. Bramblings were at Budby, Gotham, Redhill and Meden Vale in small numbers. An unseasonal Whitethroat was at Cottam (8th). Langford and Netherfield hosted Bearded Tits. Stonechats were widespread, at Barton-in-fabis, Gedling, Bennerley Marsh, Langford, Annesley and Cotham. Wollaton hosted a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, with another at Kinoulton. Tom Shields

RUTLAND

HIGHLIGHTS: A Cory’s Shearwater (8th) at Rutland Water was completely unexpected. The American Wigeon and Red-necked Grebe there remained all month. There were three Red-breasted Mergansers at Rutland Water dam (from 13th). Fifteen Hawfinches were at Exton (4th-25th) with one at Clipsham (4th). RUTLAND WATER: There were six Whooper Swans (2nd-3rd) and nine (13th). Some 100 Pinkfeet flew over (2nd), with 110 (19th). The count (19th) logged 2,962 Wigeon, 967 Gadwall, 1,310 Teal, 198 Pintails, 42 Red-crested Pochards, 2,995 Tufted Ducks, two Scaup and 146 Goldeneyes. A Smew was present (from 9th), with two (29th). A Common Scoter was seen (21st), with two (25th-26th). Fifteen Great White Egrets were present. A Great Northern Diver was at the dam (from 13th) with two (from 19th). A Marsh Harrier was at Egleton throughout with a Peregrine (18th) and Merlin (21st). Waders (19th) were 207 Lapwings, 85 Dunlin, five Black-tailed Godwits, a Whimbrel, eight Curlews, four Green Sandpipers and 16 Redshanks. A Curlew Sandpiper was present (10th and 21st-22nd). A Med Gull and Caspian Gull were noted (11th). Two Stonechats were regular at Egleton. Hawfinches were at Lyndon (7th) and over Hambleton Wood (15th). Two Common Redpolls were at Lyndon (20th). OTHER SITES: There were four Little Egrets at Banthorpe (16th). There were 82 Wigeon, 14 Little Grebes and a Green Sandpiper at Exton (21st). Two Woodcocks were in Tunneley Wood (21st). A Ring-necked Parakeet was at Barleythorpe (to 8th) with another over Oakham (19th). Two Stonechats were at Fort Henry (9th). Terry Mitcham

STAFFORDSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Great White Egret was at Doxey Marshes (2nd), plus two Water Pipits. A Great White Egret flew over Lichfield (12th), one was at Belvide Reservoir (15th), one at Whitemoor Haye (25th), and one at the Wolseley Centre (28th). An adult Caspian Gull was at Blithfield Reservoir (4th), and a Kittiwake (19th). Two Short-eared Owls were at Berry Hill Fields (17th). A first-winter Kittiwake was at Belvide Reservoir (20th). Silverdale Community CP had a Caspian Gull (29th), when Chasewater had two adults and a second-winter, plus a juvenile Glaucous Gull. Hawfinches were at Compton (two, 1st), Baggeridge CP (two, 1st), Cuckoo Bank (2nd), Cannock Chase (3rd), Middleton Lakes RSPB (two, 8th), Yoxall (four, 9th), Black Bank (one, 15th & five, 16th), Trentham (15th), Pool Hall Fisheries (two, 16th), Keele (six, 19th) and Ashwood (19th).

WARWICKSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Lesser Yellowlegs was on private land near Maxstoke (1st-2nd). Great White Egrets were at Middleton Lakes RSPB (2nd), Brandon Marsh NR (3rd), Napton Reservoir (two, 8th), Wormeleighton (9th), Salford Priors (22nd), Earlswood Lakes (22nd), and Alvecote (22nd). A Richard’s Pipit was on a spoil heap at Mancetter Quarry (26th). A Dartford Warbler was at Bubbenhall (1st). Draycote Water had a Long-tailed Duck (2nd), a juvenile Shag, a Little Gull (22nd), and a Black-necked Grebe. A ringtail Hen Harrier was at Coleshill (10th). A Smew was at Brandon Marsh (16th). Three Hawfinches were over Middleton Lakes RSPB (2nd), and other reports came from Binley Woods (two, 2nd), Packwood (three, 3rd), Willey (4th), Nuneaton (4th), Draycote Water (5th), Brandon Marsh NR (6th), Rugby (two, 7th), Napton-on-the-hill (two, 8th), Hartshill (five, 9th), Warwick (10th), Atherstone (two, 21st), Studley (23rd) and Mancetter Quarry (26th).

WEST MIDLANDS

HIGHLIGHTS: Sandwell Valley. Two A Great Firecrests White were Egret at was Hill at Top, Stubbers Green. BARTLEY: There was a Caspian Gull, five Yellow-legged Gulls and several Goldeneyes. CLAYHANGER/RYDERS MERE: Two Hawfinches, several Goosanders and 50 Cormorants were logged. LUTLEY: There were double figure counts of Hawfinches. Bramblings, Stonechats and Golden Plovers passed through. MARSH LANE: A Red Kite flew over. Wildfowl included Pintail, Mandarin and Goosander. The Cetti’s Warbler remained, plus two Red-legged Partridges and a Tawny Owl. A Woodcock was flushed. Nine Hawfinches flew over. SANDWELL VALLEY: There was a Water Pipit on two dates. Over 70 Hawfinches flew through. Wildfowl included five Pintails and 74 Goosanders. A Little Owl was the first of the year. A Red Kite flew over. Bramblings and two Willow Tits were at the feeding station. STUBBERS GREEN: There was a Caspian Gull and Yellow-legged Gull. OTHER SITES: A Crossbill was at Barr Beacon. Hawfinches overflew in small numbers from several sites around the county. Woodcocks were in Sutton Park, Netherton and Tipton. Pete Hackett (0121 358 2454)

WORCESTERSHIRE

AVON VALLEY: Ten Hawfinches flew over Abberton. A Merlin and a Hawfinch were on Bredon Hill. Two Hawfinches were at Broadway,, and one over Church Lench. Short-eared Owl, Great White Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, 150 Golden Plovers and Merlin were at Lower Moor. CENTRAL: A Hawfinch was at Croome Park. Three Hawfinches were at Salwarpe. A Common Scoter and a Pintail were at Westwood. GRIMLEY/HOLT: Highlights were American Wigeon throughout, Marsh Harrier, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Pintail and three Hawfinches. LOWER SEVERN VALLEY: A total of 543 Golden Plovers were at Ryall. MALVERN HILLS & COMMONS: Two Hawfinches were at Chase End Hill. A Firecrest was at Malvern Wells. Two Snow Buntings were on Worcestershire Beacon. NORTH: Thirty-seven Golden Plovers flew over Bittell Reservoirs. Four Whooper Swans and seven Hawfinches flew over Bromsgrove. Two Yellow-legged Gulls were at Hagley. Three Crossbills were on the Lickey Hills. Hawfinches were noted at Bewdley (five), Burlish Top (three), Redditch (seven), Tardebigge (one), Walton Hill (16), Wassell Grove (five) and Wilden Top (two). UPTON WARREN: Highlights included four Whooper Swans, Black-tailed Godwit, two Yellow-legged Gulls and up to 12 Hawfinches. WEST: A Hawfinch was at Martley. A Lapland Bunting and two Hawfinches flew over Stanford-on-teme. Brian Stretch (www.worcesterbirding.co.uk)

WALES

Highlights The Rock Thrush was last seen at its quarry at Pwll-du, Gwent on 3rd, disappointing those who had hoped it would remain for the winter in the area.

ANGLESEY

HOLYHEAD: The Inland Sea held a Great White Egret all month, seven Scaup, 54 Great Crested Grebes, 371 pale-bellied Brent Geese, four Great Northern Divers and six Mediterranean Gulls. Soldiers Point had a late Swallow (2nd), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher and Water Rail. South Stack held 20 Crossbills (8th), five Woodcocks, a Brambling and nine Whooper Swans. A Black Redstart was in the Holyhead Breakwater CP. A Marsh Harrier was at Valley Wetlands. Seven Purple Sandpipers and 59 Turnstones were in Trearddur Bay. Beddmanarch Bay held a Great Northern Diver, Slavonian Grebe and three Eiders. OTHER SITES: Malltraeth Marsh held a Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, 13 Whooper Swans, ten White-fronted Geese, a Water Pipit, three Firecrests and a Yellow-browed Warbler. Three Cattle Egrets were at Pont Marquis. A Hen Harrier and Jack Snipe were at Malltraeth. Cemlyn logged two Leach’s Petrels, two Pomarine Skuas, an Arctic Skua, Great Skua, four Little Gulls, a Great White Egret (6th), two Whooper Swans, three Hawfinches (6th), four Twite, 66 Bramblings, 17 Crossbills and a Swallow (2nd). Two Firecrests were at Benllech. Nine Hawfinches were at Cemaes. A Hen Harrier was at Aberffraw. Point Lynas had a Sabine’s Gull, seven Great Skuas, 25 Red-throated Divers and 12 Purple Sandpipers. Penmon had a Black Redstart, Hawfinch, Water Pipit and two Firecrests. Llyn Maelog had a Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Jack Snipe. Octel, Amlwch had a Firecrest, Chiffchaff, Great Skua and Little Gull. Ken Croft

BRECONSHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: Five Ring Ouzels were at Storey Arms, Brecon Beacons (1st) and one in the Senni Valley (6th). The Hawfinch influx provided 14 at Brecon (3rd), one at Llangorse Common (3rd) and two at Elan Village (22nd). The Elenydd (3rd) held a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. A Short-eared Owl hunted Cnapiau ‘r Felen. There were 150 Golden Plovers on Gorllwyn. A Black Redstart was in a Senni quarry (6th). The Starling roost at Llangorse Lake peaked at 150,000 birds. A Red-crested Pochard was at Llangorse Lake (from 10th). Two Great White Egrets were there throughout, with another at Warren, Hay-on-wye (21st-22nd). LLANGORSE LAKE: There were seven Water Rails, a Jack Snipe, two Sparrowhawks, a Goshawk, Peregrine, 382 Canada Geese, 333 Coots, 305 Tufted Ducks, 43 Goldeneyes, seven Goosanders, 43 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, two Little Egrets, a Mandarin, Shelduck and 30 Shovelers. A flock of 25 Greenfinches in Llangasty Churchyard (15th) will likely be the largest local flock of the year. OTHER SITES: A Merlin was at Ystradfellte (1st). Woodcocks were at Crai Reservoir, Cwm

Oergwm, Coed Dyrysiog, Upper Chapel and Abergwesyn (two). Pennorth attracted 400 Chaffinches, 50 Reed Buntings and ten Bramblings, with 150 Chaffinches, 100 Yellowhammers and 50 House Sparrows near Llangorse. Cathedine held 200 Chaffinches and four Bramblings. The first significant winter thrush counts found 650 moving west over Brechfa (5th), with 400 Fieldfares on Llandefalle Hill, where 150 Golden Plovers rested. Wintering Blackcaps were in Glasbury (three at two sites) and in a Brecon garden. There were 25 Snipe and six Jack Snipe flushed at Trecastle, and 31 Snipe, 85 Golden Plovers and three Stonechats on Mynydd Illtyd. Barn Owls roosted at Scethrog and in Glyntawe. The Herring Gull roost at Pontsticill Reservoir numbered 1,330 (7th). A Water Rail and Yellow-legged Gull were by the Wye at Ffordd Fawr (25th). Andrew King, Mark Waldron and www. brecknockbirds.co.uk

CEREDIGION

HIGHLIGHTS: A late Little Stint was at Glandwr (4th) and on the Dyfi Estuary (6th). The first 11 Greenland White-fronted Geese were at Ynyshir (6th), with one at Llanon (11th). The King Eider was again at Ynyslas (from 11th). A Hawfinch was near Trawscoed (18th-19th). A Cattle Egret was at the Teifi Estuary (23rd) and Ynyslas (from 24th). COASTAL SITES: There were 145 Common Scoters off Borth, where a Great Northern Diver and two Brent Geese were seen (19th). A Merlin was at Llanon (2nd). A Black Redstart (from 8th) and a Great Northern Diver (30th) were at Aberystwyth where Purple Sandpipers increased to nine. Llanrhystud hosted two Brent Geese (10th). Mwnt had a Black Redstart (12th). DYFI ESTUARY: A Hen Harrier was present. A Spotted Redshank and 1,250 Golden Plovers were at Ynyslas. Cors Fochno held a Jack Snipe (4th) and Marsh Harrier (5th). A Great White Egret was at Ynys-hir (8th), with six Whooper Swans there (15th). OTHER SITES: A Great White Egret remained at Cors Caron where three Whooper Swans were seen (29th). There were 21 Crossbills at Llanfair Clydogau (8th). A Scaup was at Llyn Eiddwen (17th). Eight Whooper Swans were at Llyn Yr Oerfa at Ystumtuen (28th). John A Davis (johndavis@midwalesbirdwatching. co.uk)

EAST GLAMORGAN

HIGHLIGHTS: Eleven Whooper Swans at Kenfig later passed Cardiff Bay (13th), with one at the former (16th). Another was at the Watermill, Ogmore Estuary (27th-28th). Possibly three Great White Egrets were at Kenfig, with another at Flemingston Moor (5th). Two Slavonian Grebes lingered at Kenfig. Snow Buntings were at Gileston (two on 26th) and Sker (28th). A Yellow-browed Warbler was at Nelson Wern (11th). OTHER SITES: The regular wintering Brent Goose flock at Gileston held 13 pale-bellied and one dark-bellied bird. Two Scaup were on Kenfig Pool, a Common Scoter at Barry Docks and Red-breasted Merganser at Sker. Great Northern Divers were at Barry Docks, Southerndown and Porthcawl. Nine Red-throated Divers were at Nash Point. Bitterns were at Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve and Kenfig Pool. Eleven Little Egrets were at Hendre Lake. Hen Harriers were at Llanilid (two) and Kenfig. Sker held 18 Purple Sandpipers, with singles at Aberthaw and Ogmore-by-sea. There were 702 Golden Plovers and 353 Sanderlings at Kenfig Sands/sker. A Common Sandpiper and Green Sandpiper look set to overwinter at Ogmore Estuary. Several Green Sandpipers were at Peterston Moor. Jack Snipe were at Green Point (three) and Llanilid. Two Kittiwakes were at Ogmore Estuary. Yellow-legged Gulls were at Blackweir, Cardiff Bay and Caerphilly Castle Moat. A Short-eared Owl graced Mynydd Eglwysilan. Merlins were at Southerndown and Kenfig. Five Choughs were at Porthcawl. A Firecrest frequented Kenfig Pool. The last Swallow was at Cosmeston (12th). A Black Redstart was at Nash Point. Water Pipits were at Rumney Great Wharf, Aberthaw/gileston and Ogmore Estuary. Hawfinches were logged at Kenfig, Forest Ganol, Rudry and Caerau, where 22 Bramblings flew over. Paul Roberts

GOWER AND WEST GLAMORGAN

HIGHLIGHTS: Two Hawfinches were in the Gorseinon area (4th), with three (26th). Oxwich held seven Bramblings, two Jack Snipe and a Firecrest. A Great Northern Diver was at Mumbles. A Hen Harrier, Dartford Warbler, Merlin and Red Kite were at Rhossilli Down. Llanrhidian logged a Great White Egrets, Green Sandpipers and a Hen Harrier. Cadaxton saltmarsh had 30 Canada Geese. Over 600 Jackdaws were over Briton Ferry in a pre-roost flock. Terry Tovey

GWENT

HIGHLIGHTS: The Rock Thrush remained at Pwll Du (to 3rd). The influx of Hawfinches included a flock of 38 at The Folly, Pontypool (1st). NEWPORT WETLANDS: Three Marsh Harriers were seen regularly, with Merlins (11th and 16th). There were 99 Snipe (4th) and a Short-eared Owl (8th). OTHER SITES: A Merlin was at the Blorenge (2nd). Large numbers of Crossbills were reported from several sites. A few Bramblings were recorded at a number of sites. Eight Mandarins were on the River Wye at Llandogo. Chris Hatch

NORTH WEST

Highlights Scarce birds in the region included a Green-winged Teal at Leighton Moss RSPB, Lancashire, where there were three Cattle Egrets, while four were at Croussens Outer Marsh, in the same county.

CHESHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Great White Egret was at Sandbach Flashes (2nd), and one remained at Parkgate Marsh/gayton Sands RSPB (2nd), where there were three Hen Harriers. Another Great White Egret was at Heswall (2nd), and four were at Little Neston (25th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was at Leasowe (3rd). Seven Little Stints were at Pickerings Pasture (9th). Two Cattle Egrets were at Little Neston and Neston Marsh (12th-14th). Seven White-fronted Geese were at Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB (11th). Four Short-eared Owls were at Burton Marsh (11th). A Snow Bunting was at Leasowe (8th). A Barred Warbler was at Hale (14th). Hawfinches were at Rostherne Mere (2nd, and two, 19th), Nantwich (3rd), Marbury CP (two, 4th), Maw Green Landfill (4th), Newchurch Common (6th), Burwardsley (two, 6th), Astbury Mere CP (7th), Swettenham (8th), Winsford (ten, 11th), Lyme Park (two, 19th) and Smallwood (29th). WOOLSTON EYES: Maxima included two Wigeon, 460 Teal, 52 Shovelers, nine Goldeneyes, four Goosanders, 59 Moorhens, 126 Mallard, 44 Magpies and 355 Tufted Ducks. Ringing on No1 bed included Goldcrest, Kingfisher and Lesser Redpoll. Records included a Tawny Owl, Red-legged Partridge, 300 Fieldfares, 280 Redwings, four Water Rails, a Peregrine, Woodcock and two Cetti’s Warblers. No3 bed ringing included Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Records included 5,000 Pinkfeet over, 240 Redwings, 25 Fieldfares, 40 Black-tailed Godwits, a Kingfisher, two Willow Tits, 100 Greenfinches, two Ravens, a Peregrine, two Woodcocks, four Water Rails, two Cetti’s Warblers, eight Bramblings, 160 Pied Wagtails and nine Shelducks. A visible migration watch (4th) produced 1,600 Pinkfeet, 8,000 Starlings, 650 Lapwings, 245 Redwings, 14 Siskins, 45 Stock Doves and ten Buzzards. Dave Steel

CUMBRIA

HIGHLIGHTS: Three Cattle Egrets were near Arnside Tower (4th). Kents Bank had a Great White Egret (6th), when there were at least 54 Little Egrets present. Two Great White Egrets were at Arnside (8th), and one was at Holme (11th). A Richardson’s Cackling Goose was at Rockcliffe Marsh (10th), with at least 7,000 Barnacle Geese. A Waxwing was at Cardurnock (1st). Heversham had a Little Stint (3rd). A Dotterel was with Golden Plovers at Anthorn (4th). A Little Stint was at Port Carlisle (8th). A Great Northern Diver and six Scaup were off Walney Island (11th). Three Little Stints were at Sandside (12th). Five Scaup were at Sandscale Haws (15th). Walney Island had a Snow Bunting over (19th), when a female Scaup and 80 Twite were present. Hawfinches were at Sizergh Castle (three, 4th), Hawkshead (6th) and Hale (23rd).

GREATER MANCHESTER

HIGHLIGHTS: A possible Yellow-browed Warbler was at Worsley (11th). A Firecrest was at Pickley Green (18th). A Smew was on Horrock’s Flash (18th). A Red-breasted Merganser was at Platt Fields Park (13th-15th) and then on Alexandra Park Lake (16th-27th). Three Common Scoters were on Audenshaw Reservoirs (14th) and one at Elton Reservoir (28th). A Kittiwake was at Scotman’s Flash (28th). MERSEY VALLEY: A Yellow-legged Gull was at Sale WP intermittently. A Little Egret was at Sale WP (6th). Ten Ring-necked Parakeets were at Chorlton Ees. A Brambling was at Shell NR (21st) with seven on Carrington Moss. ELTON RESERVOIR: A Snow Bunting flew over (12th). A Knot was seen (3rd). Six Dunlin flew through (9th) and one landed (14th). There were 19 Whooper Swans over (2nd), with 32 (12th) and one (19th). A Hawfinch flew over (12th) with two (21st). Two Pintails were seen (11th). Three Bramblings visited (11th). Three Little Egrets were seen (12th). PENNINGTON FLASH: A Ring Ouzel flew over (1st). An Iceland Gull roosted (8th, 20th and 30th). Four Yellow-legged Gulls and three Mediterranean Gulls were noted. There was a Whooper Swan (2nd), with three (7th), 15 (9th) and seven (12th). A Merlin was seen (4th). A Little Egret was present (11th-17th). OTHER SITES: Iceland Gulls were at Cutacre CP, Bolton (11th and 25th) and Atherton (20th and 30th). Three Yellow-legged Gulls were at Openshaw. Horwich Moors logged a Ring Ouzel and 15 Crossbills (1st), a Bar-tailed Godwit (9th), a Snow Bunting and Ring Ouzel (12th), and a total of 20 Hawfinches. Hawfinches were also at Ludworth Moor (2nd-6th) and Dunham Massey (4th). Five Whooper Swans flew over the Wigan Flashes (2nd), and eight were on Horrock’s Flash (5th). A Bittern was at Doffcocker Lodge (30th). Dr Paul Brewster (07980 210 755)

LANCASHIRE AND NORTH MERSEYSIDE

HIGHLIGHTS: The two Long-billed Dowitchers and five Cattle Egrets remained in the Marshside area in the first week. A Great Grey Shrike was at Preesall, Fylde (1st-2nd). A Green-winged Teal was at Marshside (21st), with it, or another, there at the month’s end. EAST LANCASHIRE: A Knot and Common Scoter were at Alston Reservoir. Ten Hawfinches were at Pleasington. A Great White Egret was on the River Calder, north of Accrington. Eleven Snow Buntings were on Pendle Hill. A Firecrest was at Walton-le-dale. FYLDE REGION: Five Little Gulls were off Blackpool and six off Rossall early in the month. A Velvet Scoter and many Common Scoters were off Blackpool. There were 53 Eiders off Rossall. Five Scaup, 30 Gadwall and 40 Tufted Ducks were at Stanley Park Lake, Blackpool. A massive 30,000 Pinkfeet were on Pilling Marsh, with 5,000 at Bradshaw Lane and 3,000 at Lytham Moss. Three Barnacle Geese were at Lytham Moss and 11 at Pilling. A Leach’s Petrel was off Knott End. A Bittern and 120 Common Scoters were at Fleetwood Marsh NP. Three Ruff were on Somerby Meadows. A Green Sandpiper was at Mythop and two at Skippool. Purple Sandpipers were at Blackpool and Cockersands. Two Great White Egrets were regular at Warton Marsh. Whooper Swans included 134 plus a Bewick’s Swan at Cockersands, 483 at Eagland Hill, 620 at Fluke Hall, Pilling, 220 on Lytham Moss and 53 on Warton Marsh. Black Redstarts were at Knott End and Stanley Park, Blackpool. A Hawfinch flew over Golgate. Twite flocks included 59 at Bank End, Cockerham and 43 at Knott End. A Snow Bunting and three Crossbills were at Rossall. MARTON MERE, BLACKPOOL: Highlights included two Bitterns, two Bullfinches (scarce here), a Treecreeper, Blackcap, 250 Coots, 100 Teal, 140 Wigeon, 50 Shovelers, 31 Gadwall, 32 Tufted Ducks, four Scaup, two Pintails, a Goldeneye, Common Scoter and a few Whooper Swans. SW LANCASHIRE-N MERSEYSIDE: Around 19 Hawfinches were at four sites. The Marshside-crossens area had a Hen Harrier, tundra Bean Goose, two Curlew Sandpipers, a Water Pipit, Garganey, 140 Twite and four Marsh Harriers. A Long-tailed Duck was at Seaforth. A Black Guillemot was off Formby. Two Greenland White-fronted Geese and a Scaup were at Martin

Mere WWT. Three Short-eared Owls were at Lunt Meadows. Three Snow Buntings were at Crosby Beach. Five Firecrests were ringed at Little Crosby. Two Great White Egrets were at Crossens Marsh. Maurice Jones

NORTH LANCASHIRE

HIGHLIGHTS: A Chough was at Heysham Head (from 27th). Three Cattle Egrets alternated between Cumbria and Lancashire, usually roosting at Leighton Moss. Great White Egrets peaked at four at the Leighton roost (4th). They were mobile either side of the Cumbrian border and included one mid-month in the Gressingham area of the Lune Valley. HEYSHAM AREA: Visible migration continued during the first week and included single figures of Bramblings. Night migration was predictably highlighted by a large fall of Blackbirds (6th). Unprecedented numbers of Eiders were offshore at low tide, peaking at 1,520, and including some movement to and from the mouth of the Bay. Additional tidal sightings included two Slavonian Grebes (15th), six Scaup (8th), a Shag (21st) and Long-tailed Duck (26th). Nine Jack Snipe were forced off Ocean Edge by the tide (18th). LEIGHTON MOSS: Bramblings and Tree Sparrows were at the Eric Morecambe Pool feeder. There was a late Swallow (17th). Six Greenshanks, very late for such a large count, were at Jenny Brown’s Point (20th). Pete Marsh and Kevin Kelly

NORTH EAST

Highlights A late Spotted Flycatcher at Cloughton Wyke, North Yorkshshire, was suspected of being a Mediterranean Flycatcher, but DNA analysis confirmed it was a Spotted after all.

NORTHUMBERLAND

HIGHLIGHTS: The Bee-eater reappeared, this time at Tynemouth (11th). NORTH: A Black Guillemot was off the Farne Islands (2nd). An American Wigeon was at Elwick (4th). A Glaucous Gull was in Budle Bay. Grey Phalaropes were off Cullernose Point and Boulmer (12th). SOUTH: Up to 10 Hawfinches were in Morpeth throughout. Others were in Tynemouth (1st), Hexham (1st), Alnwick (10th), Wallington (12th), Benton (27th), Gosforth Park and Blagdon (29th). Two Shore Larks were at Chevington. The Great Grey Shrike returned to Prestwick Carr (4th-26th). A Glaucous Gull was at Tynemouth (11th). Two Grey Phalaropes, a Glaucous Gull and Shore Lark were off Snab Point (12th). Eight tundra Bean Geese flew over Tynemouth (12th). A Grey Phalarope was off East Chevington. Little Auks were at several sites. A Firecrest was at Swallow Pond (23rd). A Cattle Egret flew over Morpeth (24th). A White-billed Diver flew past Seaton Sluice (29th). Jonathan Farooqi EAST YORKSHIRE HIGHLIGHTS: A Glossy Ibis flew over Hornsea Mere (9th), with presumably the same bird (12th & 14th). FLAMBOROUGH: There were two Great White Egrets, two Great Northern Divers and a Velvet Scoter (1st), a Glaucous Gull, Water Pipit and four Twite (2nd) and a Black Guillemot, two Richard’s Pipits, a Little Egret, Mediterranean Gull and two Snow Buntings (3rd). Three Lapland Buntings (6th) and six Shore Larks (8th) came in. A Long-tailed Duck and 32 Snow Buntings were present (11th). A Pomarine Skua flew by (12th), with a Red-necked Grebe, seven Long-tailed Ducks and 17 Little Auks (13th). There was a Black-throated Diver and six Hawfinches (14th), a Balearic Shearwater (15th) and blue-phase Fulmar (28th). HORNSEA MERE: There was a Great White Egret and two Little Egrets (1st). One or two Long-tailed Ducks lingered throughout. A Mediterranean Gull was seen (16th). A Black-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver and three Long-tailed Ducks were offshore (13th). SPURN: There was a White-billed Diver and Bluethroat (8th). A Barred Warbler remained (to 16th). A few Great Northern Divers, Long-tailed Ducks, Velvet Scoters, Little Auks and Pomarine Skuas were logged, with two Sabine’s Gulls (10th). A Glaucous Gull flew south (12th). Birds coming in off the sea (7th) included 170 Lapwings, six Woodcocks, four Short-eared Owls, 748 Blackbirds, 157 Redwings and 57 Fieldfares. Whooper Swan passage peaked at 43 (6th). Two tundra Bean Geese were noted. Kilnsea Wetlands held two Scaup and six Pintails. Two Little Stints and a Spotted Redshank were around early in the month. Three Jack Snipe were at Beacon Ponds. Richard’s Pipits were seen (1st & 5th). There were 11 Twite, three Siberian Chiffchaffs and two Ring Ouzels (5th). Hawfinches were seen (4th & 15th). There were 15 Snow Buntings and three Shore Larks. OTHER SITES: A Richard’s Pipit and 15 Twite were at Grimston (1st), when a Hawfinch flew over Whitgift. A Great White Egret was at High Eske (10th). Eight Snow Buntings were at Sunk Island (11th), with a Hen Harrier and 40 Twite there (26th). Blacktoft Sands had a Green-winged Teal (14th) and Water Pipit (21st). Three Great White Egrets were near Routh (15th). Two Hawfinches were at Melbourne (16th). Paull Holme Strays attracted a Great Northern Diver (19th). A Rough-legged Buzzard was in the Buckton area (from 18th). Aldbrough had seven Shore Larks (24th), and four Lapland Buntings plus 28 Snow Buntings (28th). Tophill Low held a Caspian Gull (26th). North Cave Wetlands hosted two Great White Egrets (26th) and 15 Little Egrets. A Glaucous Gull was at Mappleton (30th). Bempton had eight Snow Buntings (3rd) and ten Lapland Buntings (11th). Ian Marshall (01482 627 446) and John Hewitt 07952 293060

NORTH YORKSHIRE

SCARBOROUGH: Wykeham Lakes held the area’s second Cattle Egret (13th-22nd), a Great White Egret (12th-19th), Red-necked Grebe (2nd-23rd) and a Scaup (30th). Nearby, 125 Whooper Swans were at Willerby Carr (11th). Long Nab logged 17 Little Auks, 12 Pomarine Skuas and a Glaucous Gull (13th). Another Glaucous Gull was at Cromer Point (22nd). A Whimbrel and two Lapland Buntings were at Long Nab throughout. A Swallow was at Wrench Green plus a House Martin over Old Town (26th). A Hawfinch flew over Raincliffe Woods (7th). Six Jack Snipe were at Taylor Way pools plus two at Long Nab. Eight Mediterranean Gulls were noted. Nick Addey (www.scarboroughbirding.co.uk)

WEST YORKSHIRE

BRADFORD: Three Hawfinches were at Ilkley (5th) and one at Bingley (16th). The Oxenhope watchpoint had four Great White Egrets overhead (1st) and seven tundra Bean Geese (5th). Whooper Swans included three at Scargill Reservoir (2nd) and groups of two, 19 and 11 at Oxenhope (2nd-4th). There was also a significant Pink-footed Goose movement with around 3,800 in the west of the area (3rd). There was a Lapland Bunting (6th) and Ring Ouzels (9th and 11th) at Oxenhope. A Yellow-legged Gull was at Leeshaw Reservoir (26th), a Ring-necked Parakeet at Caldene (27th) and a Dipper at Ogden Reservoir (30th). The wintering Water Rail was seen again at the Keighley Reserve. LOWER AIRE VALLEY: Hard on the heels of last month’s second Yellow-browed Warbler was our second Dartford Warbler (11th). Given the number of Yellow-broweds arriving on the east coast in October that bird was not entirely unexpected, but Dartford is still a very rare bird in Yorkshire so to have had two here (out of only about five in the county) is exceptional. The Warbler aside, Great White Egrets (3rd, 11th & 24th), a Common Scoter on Bowers Lake (17th-18th) and a second Raven record for the year (13th) were the other monthly highlights. One to three Whooper Swans were seen (2nd, 4th & 13th) and a total of over 900 Pink-footed Geese moved through on three days. There were single Black-tailed Godwits (1st & 15th), Ruff (5th & 6th), Jack Snipe (15th & 18th) and Green Sandpiper (6th, 10th & 11th). Up to six Water Pipits were present, mostly at Lemonroyd, and up to 10 Stonechats. Chris King (Bradford OG), Paul Morris

SCOTLAND

Highlights Shetland’s first ever Pied-billed Grebe was found at Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, on 3rd (and was still present at the end of the month). Meanwhile, the ‘other’ Pied-billed Grebe, continued its protracted stay at Loch Feorlin, Argyll.

ABERDEENSHIRE

ABERDEEN CITY: On the 5th a seawatch produced four Little Auks, a Black Guillemot and a Great Northern Diver. Over 40 Little Auks passed by Girdleness (13th). An Iceland Gull and a single Little Auk flew north past Girdleness (9th). FORVIE NNR: The Red-breasted Goose was near Walkmill hide (5th). A Snow Goose was near the Colliston crossroads (24th) and stayed in the area until the end of the month. LOCH OF STRATHBEG: A Little Egret was seen from the visitor centre (3rd), and during the month up to two were seen on a daily basis. On the 11th an American Wigeon was seen from the visitor centre. On the 15th, a Green-winged Teal was seen from the Bay Hide. A Rough-legged Buzzard was found feeding off a swan carcass (26th). There were Bean Geese at the south end of the Loch (19th). The November WEBS count produced 33 Curlew, seven Grey Herons, 82 Mute Swans, 30 Tufted Ducks, 123 Goldeneye, 19 Cormorants, 167 Mallards, 19 Golden Plovers, 850 Whooper Swans, six Moorhens, 59 Lapwings, eight Redshanks, 27 Black-headed Gulls, 132 Common Gulls, 77 Teal, a Great Black-backed Gull, 1,376 Wigeon, a Slavonian Grebe, two Goosanders, two Little Egrets, a Ruff, three Dunlin, 14 Pintail, nine Shovelers, a Water Rail, 2,439 Pink-footed Geese, plus 12,655 off the reserve at St Fergus. OTHER SITES: On the 1st, a Red-breasted Goose was with a large flock of Pink-footed Geese at Nether Brownsfield north of Newburgh. On the 14th a Grey Phalarope was found (by me) in a flooded field north of the B9107 to Cairnbulg. There were five Waxwings in Ballater (16th). A Jack Snipe was found in Inverurie (16th). On the 17th, a tundra Bean Goose was at Blairdaff. A blue phase Snow Goose was roosting at Loch of Skene (17th-18th). On the 18th a Glaucous Gull was seen at Cairnbulg. A Grey Phalarope was in Boddam Harbour (18th). On the 21st a seawatch at Slains Castle revealed a Little Auk, 13 Long-tailed Ducks and three ‘blue’ Fulmars. There were 15 Long-tailed Ducks at Cruden Bay (22nd). Mike Chandler

ARGYLL

ISLAY: A Little Gull was seen from the ferry to Islay, 62 Scaup at Black Rock and 84 Whooper Swans at Loch Skerrols (1st). There were 18,440 Barnacle Geese, 722 Greenland White-fronted Geese, 2,240 Golden Plovers, 690 Lapwings, 510 Teal, 66 Shelducks, 167 Wigeon, 57 Ringed Plovers, five Greenshanks and 29 Pintail at Loch Gruinart, along with 35 Chough and 180 Linnet at Ardnave (2nd). A Hen Harrier, two Chough and 80 Redwings were at Sanaigmore, 105 Redwings, a Merlin and a Peregrine were at Gruinart, 20 Fieldfares were at Storakaig, a pair of Golden Eagles at Scarrabus and another pair at Ballinaby (4th). A Swallow was at Kilnaughton Bay and a Lesser Whitethroat at Glenegedale (5th). A juvenile White-tailed Eagle at Bridgend, a Snow Bunting at Bruicladdich and another at Carnain (6th). The Lesser Whitethroat was present at Glenegedale, two Little Egrets at Carnain, a Kingfisher along the River Sorn, a Merlin at Rockside and a Cackling Goose and a Green-winged Teal at Gruinart (7th). Two Red Grouse were between Loch Gorm and Gruinart (9th). A Todd’s Canada Goose was at Rockside (7th). Three Purple Sandpipers at Bruichladdich, seven Common Scoters were with Red-throated and Great Northern Divers on Loch Indaal (13th). Six pale-bellied Brent Geese were at Bun an Uisage (16th). Two Barn Owls were at Port Charlotte, a Snow Bunting at Machir Bay and a Blackcap at Kilchoman (17th). Three Golden Eagles, a Merlin and a Kestrel were at Sanaigmore (18th). A Black-throated Diver was at Kilnaughton Bay, 330 Twite and four Bramblings at Kinnabus (19th). There were 110 Great Northern Divers and a Black Guillemot on Loch Indaal (20th). A Pink-footed Goose was at Cornabus (28th). A Hen Harrier at Gruinart and another at Mulreesh (29th). International Goose Count results were 48,336 Barnacle Geese, 4,877 Greenland White-fronted Geese, and 880 Greylags (23rd). TIREE: There was a Ring-necked Duck at Loch a’ Phuill. An unprecedented influx saw four Hawfinches at Balephuil. A Little Egret was at Milton. A Slavonian Grebe was at Loch Riaghain. An Iceland Gull was at West Hynish. There were six Blackcaps, four abietinus-type Chiffchaffs, seven Bramblings, 11 Siskins, Lapland Buntings at The Reef and at Balephetrish Hill, and an influx of 41 Snow Buntings. A gale (16th) brought six Little Auks, a Pomarine Skua and two Leach’s Petrels off Aird. A Sooty Shearwater was off Hynish. There were 450 Redwings but only three Fieldfares. There were seven Pied Wagtails, three Dunnocks, 60 Goldfinches, a Greenfinch, two Linnets and three Goldcrests. Wintering raptors included six Hen Harriers, five Merlins, six Peregrines and three Sparrowhawks. An all-island count found 4,308 Barnacle Geese, 1,959 Greylags, 630 Greenland Whitefronts, four Pinkfeet, 3,800 Golden Plovers, 3,180 Lapwings and 125 Whooper Swans. Woodcocks were at The Manse Scarinish and Balephuil. Phill Catton (www.islaybirds.blogspot.com) and Dr John Bowler (john.bowler@rspb.org.uk)

BORDERS

HIGHLIGHTS: Two Barn Owls showed regularly at Longformacus, with another at Greenlaw. Bemersyde (14th) had four Greylags and 86 Fieldfares. Ravelaw, Allanton had 75 Fieldfares (28th). Sightings from Paxton House included two Little Egrets (1st and 10th), with one (26th), three Kingfishers, 11 Goldeneyes (27th), and a Peregrine (21st). Yetholm Loch (7th) had 120 Mute Swans, three Goldeneyes and 18 Gadwall,

with 105 Mute Swans and five Whooper Swans (29th). Hirsel Lake (29th) had 228 Greylags, 28 Goldeneyes, 21 Tufted Ducks and 17 Goosanders. The new hide at Hule Moss, Greenlaw Moor had 2,100 Pink-footed Geese, ten Whooper Swans, 41 Tufted Ducks, a Scaup and Peregrine (9th), with 2,600 Pinkfeet, 22 Greylags, two Whooper Swans and 17 Goldeneyes (24th). Six Hawfinches were at Kelso. James D Lough

CENTRAL REGION

HIGHLIGHTS: The two blue-phase Snow Geese were near Airth (2nd) and Skinflats (4th). Hawfinches were at Argaty, Fintry, Kilbryde and Kinbuck (7th-8th), with another at Carronshore (18th). A Slavonian Grebe was at Kinneil (13th). BLACKNESS: There was a Whimbrel (13th-29th), with 30 Great Crested Grebes and two Eiders (29th). CLACKMANNANSHIRE: A Little Egret was on Kennet Pans (2nd). Six Great Crested Grebes and 28 Pochards were on Gartmorn Dam (12th). FALKIRK DISTRICT: There were 83 Bean Geese and two White-fronted Geese at Slamannan (4th), when six Shovelers were on St Helen’s Loch, Bonnybridge. Two Little Egrets were at Skinflats (18th). A Little Egret, Jack Snipe and Barn Owl were south of Kincardine Bridge (25th), with two Peregrines there (26th). Flocks of 37 Tree Sparrows and 58 Twite were at Higgin’s Neuk (26th). KINNEIL: There were 24 Great Crested Grebes, three Scaup, two Eiders, 170 Golden Plovers and three Greenshanks (13th). STIRLING DISTRICT: Two Shovelers were on Pendreich Pool (2nd). A Goshawk was near Dunblane (5th), when a Scaup was at Cambusmore GP. A late Swallow was in Stirling (9th). There were 13 Bramblings in the Braes of Doune area (13th), when two were at Loch Coulter and two Gadwall on North Third Reservoir. (13th). Two Water Rails were at Loch Watston (17th). Six Bramblings were at Hill of Row (18th). Two Hen Harriers were at Braeleny Farm, Callander (19th). UPPER FORTH ESTUARY: A co-ordinated count (19th) produced 24 Great Crested Grebes, four Little Egrets, 27 Herons, 504 Shelducks, 151 Wigeon, 932 Teal, 149 Pintails, three Scaup, a Common Scoter, 45 Red-breasted Mergansers, three Water Rails, 186 Oystercatchers, three Golden Plovers, 376 Lapwings, 45 Knot, 3,854 Dunlin, four Jack Snipe, 16 Snipe, 651 Black-tailed Godwits, ten Bar-tailed Godwits, 319 Curlews, 2,508 Redshanks, a Greenshank and two Peregrines. Neil Bielby

FIFE

HIGHLIGHTS: There were 63 Whooper Swans at Clatto, six at Lindores Loch, 33 at Craigluscar and 16 at Wilderness. A tundra Bean Goose flew over Ardross Farm. Pale-bellied Brent Geese remained in the Eden Estuary and one was at Cocklemill Burn. The Scaup flock in St Andrews Bay peaked at 70. Two were on Kilconquhar Loch and one at Loch Gelly. Common Scoters included 250 at Ruddons Point, 750 at Tentsmuir and 5,000 off Kinshaldy beach. Velvet Scoters were at Seafield, 105 at Ruddons Point, 120 at Tentsmuir and 410 at Kinshaldy. A Surf Scoter frequented Ruddons Point. There were 40 Long-tailed Ducks off Kinshaldy, with 45 Red-breasted Mergansers in Dalgety Bay. Birnie Loch held 11 Goosanders. Five Grey Partridges were at Kirkton Barns and three at Dunbog. Red-throated Divers were overwintering in Largo Bay, off Ruddons Point (27) and at Tentsmuir. Black-throated Divers were off Ruddons Point. Great Northern Divers were in Largo Bay and off Ruddons Point, Elie Ness and Ferry Hills. Slavonian Grebes were in Largo Bay and off Tentsmuir. A Great Crested Grebe was at Tentsmuir. Red-necked Grebes were in Largo Bay. Little Egrets were at the Eden Estuary, Tayport, Kincardine (first record), Tentsmuir and Cameron Reservoir. Merlins were at Pittenweem and Tentsmuir. Kilrenny held 50 Golden Plovers, with 300 at the Eden Estuary. Purple Sandpipers included five at Dysart, 32 at Seafield, one at Ruddons Point and 22 at Anstruther. A Spotted Redshank was at the Eden Estuary. A Woodcock came in off the sea at Anstruther. Valleyfield Lagoons logged 42 Snipe. Mediterranean Gulls remained at West Wemyss, Dysart, Buckhaven and Burntisland. Seafield recorded a late Sandwich Tern and Swallow. Two Little Auks passed Fife Ness, with 12 past Ruddons Point, where a Black Guillemot was noted. A Barn Owl was at Auchtermuchty and a Long-eared Owl at Fordell. Eight Northern-race Bullfinches and two Hawfinches were at Ferry Hills. Bramblings visited Kirkcaldy, St Andrews and Ferry Hills (49). Twite were at Dysart, Elie Ness, Kingsbarns (50) and Inverkeithing. Snow Buntings were at Outhead and Ruddons Point. Nine Corn Buntings were at Pittenweem. David Heeley (dw.heeley@btinternet.com)

HIGHLANDS

HIGHLIGHTS: In Easter Ross, the American Wigeon remained on Loch Eye whilst another was at Udale Bay (from 18th). A Little Egret was also seen (to 14th) at the latter location with probably the same individual then at Tain (from 26th). Further south a Bean Goose had a short stay at Alness (15th-16th). On Skye two late Sabine’s Gulls visited Broadford Bay (12th) and on nearby Rum, a very late Yellow Wagtail was found at Kilmory (2nd). In the Inverness area an American Wigeon was at Clachnaharry (from 5th), a Mediterranean Gull at Alturlie (from 14th), a King Eider at Whiteness (from 1st), where the Spotted Redshank also remained (to 14th), and a Green-winged Teal was on Loch Flemington (from 28th). WESTER ROSS & SUTHERLAND: In the north-west, a Glaucous Gull visited Balnakeil (29th) a single Purple Sandpiper was recorded in the Bay of Culkein (10th), a Velvet Scoter was at Ardmair (1st-19th), nine Black-throated Divers were counted on Loch Ewe and 23 Great Northern Divers were in Gruinard Bay (2nd). Inland, 45 White-fronted Geese were logged passing over Lairg (9th). On the east coast, a Little Gull was at Brora (25th), a Little Auk passed Golspie (1st) and two immature White-tailed Eagles were at Dornoch Point (14th). EASTER ROSS: Twenty Bramblings were near Strathpeffer (4th), while nine Pochard (3rd) and 53 Scaup were on Loch Eye (11th). Further east an impressive 467 Whooper Swans were counted near Portmahomack (11th). Seawatching off Tarbat Ness produced a Pomarine Skua (12th), an Arctic Skua (29th), a Sandwich Tern (1st) and a Little Gull (8th & 16th). Further south, two White-fronted Geese and 82 Barnacle Geese (4th) were at Kildary (4th), while 150 Long-tailed Ducks were off Invergordon (27th). On the Black Isle, a single White-fronted Goose (2nd-14th) and 628 Scaup (26th) were in Udale Bay, and 29 Brent Geese were at Rosemarkie (28th). SKYE & SMALL ISLES: Two Sooty Shearwaters, two Pomarine Skuas, an Arctic Skua, 12 Little Auks and a Little Gull were off Waternish Point (10th). Single Icleland Gulls were at Portree (5th-14th), Broadford (29th) and Kilmory, Rum (20th), where three Bramblings were also recorded (8th). A Glaucous Gull was on Eigg (1st-13th). INVERNESS-SHIRE AND BADENOCH & STRATHSPEY: Eighty-three Black-tailed Godwits were at Lentran (12th), with 47 at the same location (29th). Further east, first a single (20th) and then two (29th) Great Crested Grebes were at Alturlie. At Whiteness were 34 Brent Geese, six Grey Plovers, 319 Dunlins, 343 Knot (2th), two Little Auks (12th) and 49 Snow Buntings (24th). In Badenoch and Strathspey, a Ring Ouzel visited Nethybridge (5th) and 14 Waxwings were briefly on Cairngorm Mountain (4th), whilst a White-fronted Goose (10th) and Jack Snipe (21st) were at Kingussie. Tom Wells

LOTHIAN

HIGHLIGHTS: A White-billed Diver flew past Torness (2nd). Three Shore Larks were briefly at Peffer Sands near Scoughall (4th). A possible drake King Eider was reported off Musselburgh (11th). Drake Surf Scoter reports from Port Seton (11th), Gullane Point (21st) and Gullane Bay (22nd-23rd) were presumably of the long-staying Musselburgh bird. HAWFINCHES AND WAXWINGS: The Uk-wide Hawfinch irruption eventually made it to Lothian with one at Aberlady Bay and seven over Barnton (3rd). This was followed by two over Gladhouse Reservoir, two at Penicuik Estate, three over Currie and five at Mortonhall (all 4th) and then two over Peaston and one over Longnidrry (both 5th). The first Waxwings were 20 over Aberlady Bay (3rd), followed by eight near Dunbar (12th), two at Belhaven and one at Skateraw (both 14th), one at Portobello (16th)

and up to 80 at Inchview Terrace in Edinburgh (22nd-24th). ABERLADY AREA: A Water Rail and four Little Egrets were seen (2nd). A Ruff and a Brent Goose were present (4th). Twenty Barnacle Geese were counted at nearby West Fenton (14th). Twite numbers peaked with a flock of 106 (21st). A single Kingfisher was regularly seen on the Peffer Burn. BARNS NESS AREA: A juvenile Arctic Tern was seen off Skateraw (2nd). A Water Pipit was at White Sands Bay with a Velvet Scoter and Kittiwake at the adjacent quarry (4th). A Med Gull (7th), three Kingfishers and a Short-eared Owl (19th) and three Snow Buntings (23rd) were at Barns Ness. MUSSELBURGH AREA: The local Twite flock peaked at 40 birds (4th). The Spotted Redshank stayed on the scrapes until the 11th. A Ruff (5th), Black-throated Diver (13th) and returning drake Goosander (18th) were noted. Two adult Med Gulls were seen off Joppa (11th). TYNINGHAME AREA: A juvenile Glaucous Gull and two Swallows were at Scoughall (4th), which also featured a Water Rail, Woodcock and Slavonian Grebe (8th). Fifteen Whooper Swans, two Little Egrets, a drake Pintail and a Chiffchaff were at Tyninghame Bay (19th). A Mandarin and 13 Little Grebes were noted at Seafield Pond (23rd). OTHER SITES: In Edinburgh, sightings of a Ring-necked Parakeet continued to be reported from Merchiston, a Gadwall was at Figgate Pond and a Woodcock was at the ERI (both 1st), a Kingfisher was at the Botanics (6th) and a Water Rail was at Craiglockart Pond (8th). Duddingston Loch held 13 Gadwall (11th) while nearby Holyrood Park featured a Woodcock (13th) and a Green Woodpecker and pair of Stonechats (both 29th). Four Ravens, four Jays and 25 Bramblings were seen near Gladhouse (11th). Two Brent Geese at Cramond (8th), a Swallow near Longniddry (11th), eight Snow Buntings in the Pentlands (15th), a Green Sandpiper at Drem Pools and 300-plus Bramblings near Pencuik (both 22nd) were all recorded. A juvenile White-fronted Goose was with a Pinkfeet flock near Balerno (21st-26th). Jim Nicholson

OUTER HEBRIDES

HIGHLIGHTS: The Snow Goose and Crane remained on Berneray throughout. American Golden Plovers were at Boisdale, South Uist (3rd-22nd) and on Baleshare (to 21st). OTHER SITES: An American Wigeon remained at Loch Grogarry (to 5th), with another around Oban Trumisgarry/loch Aleodair throughout. A Green-winged Teal was at Loch Sandary (26th-30th). A Surf Scoter was in the Sound of Taransay (2nd). Two Sooty Shearwaters were seen from the Uig-lochmaddy ferry (10th). Another passed the Butt (11th). Three Little Egrets toured the southern Outer Hebrides. Three Pomarine Skuas, a Sabine’s Gull, six Little Gulls and 27 Little Auks were in the Minch between Skye and North Uist (10th). Late Swallows were in Balivanich (3rd-4th) and on Barra (3rd). A Waxwing was at Sollas (22nd-28th). Lesser Whitethroats were on Barra (1st-5th) and in Stornoway (28th). A Siberian Chiffchaff was on Barra (3rd). Three Yellow-browed Warblers were on Barra (1st) with others at Balemartin (2nd) and in Lochmaddy (4th). Firecrests were at Linshader (26th-28th) and on Barra (29th). A late Spotted Flycatcher was at Callernish (2nd). Two Long-tailed Tits were on Barra (18th-22nd). A Hawfinch was on Grimsay and two on Barra (1st), with others at Bornish (2nd) and on Barra (7th). Snow Buntings included 52 at Eoligarry and 74 at Askernish (26th), and 38 at Bornish (29th). Two Lapland Buntings were at Ardivachar (19th), with three at Rubh’ Arnal (20th) and five at Kilaulay (27th). Steve Duffield (www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk)

PERTH AND KINROSS

HIGHLIGHTS: A Shore Lark at Ben Lawers (17th) was a county first. A Snow Goose was at Loch Leven (17th) with eight Slavonian Grebes there (8th). A Yellow-browed Warbler at Port Allen (26th) was the fifth county record. Whooper Swans included 71 at Lawhill, River Earn and 52 at Dalreoch (19th). Pinkfeet included 14,300 at Carsebreck (19th), 13,151 at Loch Leven (17th) and 7,050 at Glenfarg (19th). Among the geese at Loch Leven was a Greenland Whitefront plus six Barnacle Geese (17th). Three Barnacle Geese were at Glenfarg (19th). Loch Leven held three Scaup (8th), two Smew (from 7th), 350 Golden Plover (8th), ten Ruff (6th), a Woodcock (17th) and two Barn Owls (23rd). Two Eiders, a Sanderling and 200 Redshanks were at Invergowrie (26th). There were 35 Black Grouse near Foulford (8th). Woodcocks were at Kirkstyle (15th) and Loch Freuchie (28th). A Kingfisher was at Port Allen (12th). Fifty Fieldfares were at Stormont Loch (19th) and 50 Redwings at Scone Palace (24th). Seven Hawfinches were at Scone Palace (26th). A Snow Bunting was at Beinn Udlamein (15th). Scott Paterson (

SHETLAND

HIGHLIGHTS: White-billed Divers were off Hascosay (7th) and Kirkabister (13th). A Red-necked Grebe was off Kirkabister (13th-17th). Shetland’s first Pied-billed Grebe was at Loch of Spiggie (4th-30th). Three tundra Bean Geese were at North Yell (15th). The long-staying Crane remained at Loch of Brow (to 1st). A King Eider was off Wester Quarff (4th-30th) and a Surf Scoter off Hascosay (7th). At least 45 Glaucous Gulls and 25 Iceland Gulls were recorded. A Waxwing was on Burra (22nd), with up to four in Lerwick (23rd-30th) and one in Toab (27th). A Black Redstart was at Norwick (25th). Two Yellow-browed Warblers were at Kergord (2nd) with another at Baltasound (3rd). A Northern-race Treecreeper was at Sandgarth (4th). Seventeen Blue Tits and five Great Tits were recorded. A Great Grey Shrike was at Baltasound (5th-6th). Little Buntings were at Sand (2nd-4th) and Baltasound (4th-5th). A Coues’ Arctic Redpoll roamed north Unst (23rd). Hugh Harrop (pkrecorder@the-soc.org.uk)

TAYSIDE

HIGHLIGHTS: Iceland Gulls were at Mains of Usan (3rd) and Kinnordy (18th). The Bittern remained at Kinnordy, with a White-tailed Eagle there (9th). Smew were at Balgavies Loch (4th) and Kinnordy (5th). A pale-bellied Brent Goose was at West Haven (4th). A Great Northern Diver was at Craig Mill Burn (6th). A White-rumped Sandpiper was in the East Haven area (7th). Two Waxwings were in Arbroath (16th). A White-fronted Goose was at Hatton Water Works (9th). A Spotted Redshank was at the Lurgies, Montrose (26th). Two Little Egrets were at Monikie Denfind Pond (29th). MONTROSE BASIN: There were two Little Egrets on Lurgies (13th), 40 Pintails (16th), 18 Little Grebes (26th), a Peregrine, Sparrowhawk and Kingfisher. Four Swallows were at Montrose Beach (6th). OTHER SITES: Monifieth Bay (3rd) held 27 Ringed Plovers. Lunan Bay logged 23 Long-tailed Ducks, 140 Common Scoters, 12 Velvet Scoters, nine Red-throated Divers, three Shags, a Kingfisher and two Swallows. A Woodcock was at Hatton (7th). Den O’mains (9th) held a Kingfisher. Montreathmont Forest had two Great Spotted Woodpeckers, a Green Woodpecker, Jay and Yellowhammer. A Tawny Owl was at Broughty Ferry. Kinnordy (16th) had eight Goosanders, two Gadwall, eight Goldeneyes, 60 Teal, 200 Lapwings, two Scaup, two Shovelers, a Snipe, nine Whooper Swans, nine Mute Swans and 20 Wigeon. Arbroath sewage pumping station, near Gayfield, held 20 Purple Sandpipers and 150 Golden Plovers (16th). Boghead Farm, Arbroath held ten overwintering Corn Buntings. Two Jays were at Shiel Street, Broughty Ferry (29th). Monikie CP (30th) held three Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper. Bob Mccurley

Snow Bunting, Ramore Head, Portrush, Co. Antrim, 7 November

American Wigeon, Clachnaharry, Inverness-shire, 28 November

Snow Bunting, Easington Lagoons, East Yorkshire November

Garden Warbler, Moors Pool, Upton Warren NR, Worcestershire 12 November

Cattle Egret, Ryall`s Lane near Slimbridge, 12 November

Juvenile Iceland Gull, Cley, Norfolk, 19 November

Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Weybourne, Norfolk, 19 November

Black Redstart, Brean Cove, Somerset, 5 November

Waxwing, Lerwick, Shetland, November